Battle for Middle Earth

Introduction

Welcome to the ‘History of Middle-Earth’. This has been dedicated only to the elves.
Our resident Tolkien scholar, celeborn has incredibly written of the many accounts of the elves, in all their glory. This is a fantastic collection of the elven stories throughout Tolkien’s writings, and great way to learn all about the elves.
If you would like to give praise or criticism of this article, please do so here, into the original topic: Elves Topic
Sources:-
Books: Unfinished Tales, History of Middle-Earth, Silmarillion, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit
Websites: Encyclopedia of Arda and Wikipedia


Table of Contents:

First Age:

• 1. Awakening of the Elves | The Great Journey | Arrival of the Eldar in Aman
• 2. Making of the Silmarils and the rebellion of Feanor
• 3. Return of the Noldor: Dagor-nuin-Giliath | Return of the Noldor: Rescue of Maedhros
• 4. Sindarin and others lands in Beleriand | The House of Fëanor | The House of Fingolfin and Finarfin
• 5. The Third Battle | The Siege of Angband | The coming of Men | Dagor Bragollach
• 6. Beren and Lúthien: part 1 | Beren and Lúthien: part 2 | Beren and Lúthien: part 3 | Beren and Lúthien: part 4
• 7. Gondolin and Maeglin | The Gates of Gondolin | Húrin and Huor
• 8. Nirnaeth Arnoediad (The Battle Of Unnumbered Tears) - Húrin
• 9. Túrin: part 1 | Túrin: part 2 | Túrin Turambar
• 10. Tuor and his coming to Gondolin | Return of Húrin | Maeglin's betrayal
• 11. The Fall Of Gondolin
• 12. The Fall Of Gondolin: The Siege Of Gondolin
• 13. The Fall Of Gondolin: Escape from Gondolin
• 14. The Sack and Fall of Doriath | Eärendil and Elwing
• 15. The War Of Wrath
• 16. The Silmarills | Destruction of Beleriand | The Elves and Men | Sauron

Second Age:

• 1. Elven realms in the 2nd Age | Elven characters in the 2nd Age
• 2. Of the Rings of Power - the making and their powers
• 3. The war against Sauron | Sauron revealed | War against Sauron - The war begins
• 4. The peace in Middle-Earth | War against Sauron | Sauron taken as prisoner
• 5. War against Sauron - The fall of Numenor, Akallabêth| War against Sauron | Establishment of the new realms, Arnor and Gondor
• 6. Last Alliance of Men and Elves, the mustering | Last Alliance | The Battle of Dagorlad | The Siege of Barad-Dûr

Third Age:

• 1. Battle of the Gladden Fields
• 2. The Battle of Fornost
• 3. The Battle of the Five Armies
• 4. Glorfindel during Third Age
• 5. The Battle of Lothlórien - March 11-22 3019

Fourth Age:

• After the War of the Ring

Other:

• Timeline
• Maps of Middle-Earth

This post has been edited by KingElros: Dec 30 2006, 11:00 AM

First Age

Awakening of the Elves
Before the awakening Melkor had control of Middle Earth, while the valar was in Valinor. The Valar had abandoned middle earth after the destruction of the two lamps. In Aman they made their new dwelling and war continued with the Valar creating and Melkor destroying. Only a few of the valar would return at times to Middle Earth. One of these was Orome. He it was that discovered that the Elder children of Illuvatar had awakened. Unfortunately Melkor was the first to learn of the Awakening. He soon began sending evil spirits among the Elves, who planted seeds of doubt against the Valar. It is also rumoured that some of the Elves were being captured by a Rider if they strayed too far.
One day Orome came across the Elves, and realized who they were. At first the Elves were suspicious of him fearing he was the Rider who captured the Elves, and because of the lies of Melkor. Nevertheless, three lords of the Elves agreed to come with Oromë to Valinor. These were Ingwë of the Vanyar, Finwë of the Noldor, and Elwë of the Teleri. After a while Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë returned to Cuiviénen, and told the Elves of the glory of Valinor, and there befell the Sundering of the Elves. All the Vanyar and half of the Noldor were persuaded, along with most of the Teleri, and followed Oromë into the west on the Great Journey. These have been known ever since by the name Eldar which Oromë gave to them in their own language. The remaining elves remained suspicious or refused to depart from their own lands, and spread gradually throughout the wide lands of Middle-earth. They were after known by the name Avari, meaning 'the Unwilling' because they refused the summons

The Great Journey
When Orome told the other Valar of the Firstborn, they summoned a council and discussed if they should wage war to free the Firstborn from Melkor’s fists and what to do with the elves...they agreed to bring Melkor down, but they were not of the like mind when it came to the elves. Most of them wanted to summon the elves to live in Valinor along with them, but some wanted to let the elves stay in middle earth to enrich it and make it prosper with their gifts.
So the valar assembled their armies and attacked Angband and Utumno... Melkor was defeated and brought in chains back to aman. After the war was over, Orome returned to the elves to lead them to Valinor. Most of the Elves departed, but a part remained behind, becoming known as the Avari.
Oromë guided the Eldar north of the Sea of Helcar. Later the host passed through a great forest (which would be known as Mirkwood later) on the path where later was the Dwarf Road, and then long waited at the shores of Anduin while Oromë sought a way to get them over the mountains, which were much higher in those days, being raised by Melkor to hinder the riding of Orome. When Oromë returned, having found the High Pass, most Eldar went on, but a group remained behind under their leader Lenwë, becoming known as the Nandor. The remaining Eldar passed north of the immense forests that covered all of Eriador and finally the Vanyar and Noldor crossed the Ered Luin and entered Beleriand, while the Teleri still lagged behind in Eriador. When the vanyar and the noldor reached the west coast of Beleriand, they were ferried across Belegaer on the isle of Tol Eressëa by Ulmo,while the teleri finally entered Beleriand and did not arrive at the coast until after the departure of the moving island of Tol Eressëa. Thus, they stay in Beleriand for many years until Tol Eressëa is brought again to fetch them. Now many of the Teleri have grown to like Beleriand, and decide to stay there. Elwë is among them, having encountered Melian the Maia in the woods of Nan Elmoth and fallen deeply in love with her. Thingol and Melian become king and queen of the Teleri who stay in Beleriand, who then become known as the Sindar.
When the Teleri is brought over the sea, Olwe brother of Elwe is their leader.

Arrival of the Eldar in Aman
In Aman the elves settled especially around the Bay of Eldamar on the east coast, outside Valinor but connected via a specially-created pass through the mountains. In the middle of this pass, the Vanyar and the Noldor made the Hill of Túna, and constructed the city of Tirion. However after some time the Vanyar moved to Taniquetil because of their love for the Valar. The Teleri first lived on Tol Eressëa because they greatly loved the sea. Later they also came to Aman where they built the port city Alqualondë, famous for its fleet of ships crafted like swans. The vanyar became known by their skill in poetry and song,the Noldor by their skill in craftsmaking. Finwe became High King of the Noldor, Olwe of the Teleri but Ingwe was held as High King of all the Eldar.
After a long time Finwë had a son named Curufinwe and Feanor by his mother, meaning "Spirit of fire". At his birth Fëanor drew so much life from his mother Míriel that she grew weary of life and her spirit left her bodily form, departing to the halls of Mandos. He became renowned as being a craftsman and gem-smith, he invented the Tengwar script and he made the palantíri for instance.
Finwë eventually remarried, and had two more sons Fingolfin and Finarfin. Fëanor never bore much love for the sons of Indis (their mother). Fëanor wedded Nerdanel daughter of Mahtan, who bore him seven sons: Maedhros, Maglor, Celegorm, Caranthir, Curufin, Amrod and Amras.

Making of the Silmarils and the rebellion of Feanor
The greatest achievement of Feanor ever was the Silmarils. In these 3 jewels he had managed to capture the light of the Two Trees.
At this time Melkors time of imprisonment was over, he pleaded and pardoned and the Valar released him, though he was not allowed to leave their city. In speech and actions he seemed good willed, but secretly he was planning to destroy the relationship between the Eldar and the Valar. Melkor greatly desired the Silmarils and his hatred for Fëanor grew, but the Valar still didnt know Melkor’s true intentions. Melkor used Fëanor's temperament and pride to convince him that his own half-brother Fingolfin was planning to take his place as Finwës heir and Fëanor's hostility grew to the point to where he threatened Fingolfin's life. The Valar summoned him to Valmar to explain himself. They then understood that Melkor was behind this, but still Feanor wasn’t held guitless. He was exiled from Tirion and he moved to Formenos with his sons and his father. Of course he also brought with him the Silmarils and they were locked up deep in the fortress.
The Valar searched for Melkor but he could not be found, until he unexpectedly showed up at Formenos. Melkor tried again to convince Fëanor with lies, but he erred, and Fëanor realized that Melkor's true goal was to obtain the Silmarills. He then shut the door on Melkor. In a rage, Melkor left. When the Valar heard of the incident, they started the hunt up again. But it was apparent that Melkor had fled from Valinor. He feigned to go north, but then turned south.
The Valar then tried to amend the relationship between Feanor and Fingolfin and invited them to Valinor to make peace. Fingolfin offered a hand to his half-brother, and said: half brother in blood, full brother in heart I shall be. Thou shalt lead and I will follow. Feanor then said: I hear thee. So be it.
Meanwhile Melkor went away to Avathar in the south of Aman to seek out Ungoliant. Ungoliant helped Morgoth destroy the Two Trees, bringing darkness to Valinor. Morgoth and Ungoliant then went to Formenos, slew Finwë, and took all the gems there, including the Silmarils. They escaped by crossing the Helcaraxë in the north to Beleriand in Middle-earth. The Valar knew that now the light of the Trees survived only in the Silmarils and Yavanna asked Fëanor to give them up so that she could restore the Trees. Fëanor answered that he would not give up his Silmarils of his own free will, if the Valar forced him, they would be no better than Melkor, he said. It was after this that the messenger came telling of the raid at Formenos. When Fëanor heard this he named him Morgoth "Black Foe of the World". He then ran away from the city for he had loved he father dearly and he was more worth to him than all the crafts and jewels of his hands

Afterwards the Noldor went home to their city Tirion, which was now covered in darkness. Suddenly Fëanor appeared in the city and gave a speech, even though the ban upon him was not yet over. Many gathered around him to hear his words. Harsh words he spoke against the valar, blaming them for the theft of the Silmarils. He spoke of the free lands of middle earth, of wide and unexplored lands, where they would be free and lords of the lands there. He persuaded many people that the Noldor had to follow him to Middle Earth and wage war against Morgoth to regain the Silmarils. He and his sons then vowed the terrible oath of Feanor, which no one should take, vowing to fight anyone be he Elf, Man, Maia, or Vala — who withheld the Silmarils, this they vowed even in the name of Illuvatar. The Noldor now assembled and prepared to leave. Fingolfin and Finarfin went along too,for they did not want to abandon their people, neither did Fingolfin forget his words to Fëanor at the feast.
Fëanor now sought a way to get to Middle-earth and went to the shores of Aman, where the Teleri lived, and asked for their aid. When Teleri refused to give or lend their ships, Fëanor ordered to man the ships and take them away. Teleri resisted, and fighting broke out, in which many of them were slain. The host of Fingolfin went slower than the host of Fëanor so when they came to Alqualondë and found a battle, they joined their kin thinking that the Valar had ordered the Teleri to hinder the Noldor. This battle was later known as the Kinslaying at Alqualondë.
When the battle was over and the Noldor had gone north a messenger came and pronounced the doom of the Noldor, some say this was Mandos himself and therefore it is called the doom of Mandos:

"Tears unnumbered ye shall shed; and the Valar will fence Valinor against you, and shut you out, so that not even the echo of your lamentation shall pass over the mountains. On the House of Fëanor the wrath of the Valar lieth from the West unto the uttermost East, and upon all that will follow them it lieth also. Their Oath shall drive them, and yet betray them, and ever snatch away the very treasures that they have sworn to pursue. To evil end shall all things turn that they begin well; and by treason of kin unto kin, and the fear of treason, shall this come to pass. The Dispossessed shall they be for ever.
"Ye have spilled the blood of your kindred unrighteously and have stained the land of Aman. For blood ye shall render blood, and beyond Aman ye shall dwell in Death's shadow. For though Eru appointed ye to die not in Eä, yet slain ye may be, and slain ye shall be: by weapon and by torment and by grief; and your houseless spirits shall come then to Mandos. There long shall ye abide and yearn for your bodies, and find little pity though all whom ye have slain should entreat for you. And those that endure in Middle-earth and come not to Mandos shall wane, and become weary of the world as with a great burden, and shall become as shadows of regret before the younger race that cometh after. The Valar have spoken."

In repentance of the kinslaying Finarfin took his host and turned back. They were accepted by the Valar, and Finarfin ruled as High-King of the Noldor in Valinor.

Now there weren’t enough ships to take the whole host of the Noldor over the sea. Therefore Fëanor and his sons along with their host took the ships by night and crossed the sea and entered middle earth. Maedhros wanted to send ships back to get the rest of the host of the Noldor because of his old friendship with Fingon. When he suggested this to his father, Fëanor laughed and called them useless luggage on the road and burned the ships for he had decided to leave Fingolfin and his host behind. This was later known as the shipburning as Losgar.
When the host of Fingolfin saw the smoke from the fire, they knew that they had been betrayed. Fingolfin would not return to Tirion and face the Valar and he was now more eager than ever to reach middle earth and meet Fëanor again.He assembled his host and went the long and hard road across the ice of Helcaraxë. They made it over but with great loss and this caused the hatred for Fëanor and his sons to grow greater.

Return of the Noldor: Dagor-nuin-Giliath
After the shipburning, Fëanor and his host made their encampment in Mithrim. When Morgoth heard this he sent his armies against Fëanor. Morgoth hoped to destroy the Noldor before they could establish themselves, and sent his forces through the passes of the Ered Wethrin. Although the Orcs of Morgoth by far outnumbered the Noldor, the Noldor were still empowered with the Light of Valinor, and quickly defeated them. The Orcs retreated north through Ard-galen, with the Noldor in hot pursuit. The forces of Morgoth that had been besieging the Havens of the Falas marched north to attack the Noldor in the rear, but a taskforce led by Celegorm ambushed them at Eithel Sirion. Trapped between the two Noldorin forces, the Orcs fought unendingly for ten days, encircled at the Fens of Serech. All but a few Orcs perished, and Fëanor in his wrath pursued even this small group. He came even within sight of Angband, but was ambushed by a force of Balrogs, with few elves about him. He fought mightily, hewing even after receiving several wounds from Gothmog. His sons came upon the balrogs with great force of elves, and were able to drive them off. However, as Fëanor was being escorted off the battlefield, he knew his wounds were mortal. He cursed Morgoth thrice, but with the eyes of death, he knew that his elves, unaided, would never throw down the dark towers of Thangorodrim. Nevertheless, he told his sons to keep the oath and to avenge their father. At the moment of his death the passing of his fiery spirit reduced his body to ashes.

This was to be the first great battle of the Noldor in Beleriand and was called Dagor-nuin-Giliath meaning Battle under the Stars, for the Sun and Moon had not been made yet.

Return of the Noldor: Rescue of Maedhros
After Morgoths crushing defeat in Dagor-nuin-Giliath, he sent peace emissaries and Maedhros agreed to treat with them. Maedhros brought more forces than had been agreed, for Maedhros was not fooled by Morgoth’s peace offers, but unknown to him, Balrogs were among Morgoth’s party, and the Elves was overwhelmed. Maedhros was taken captive and hung by the wrist of his right hand upon Thangorodrim in great pain. After some years the host of Fingolfin finally arrived in Middle-Earth at the first rising of the sun. They made their encampment at Hithlum as the host of Fëanor had retreated from it. Then Fingon sought to repair the relationship between the Noldor and searched for Maedhros. Fingon found him, but Maedhros begged his friend to end his torment by shooting him with his bow. However, with the help of Thorondor, Fingon was able to free him though he was forced to cut off Maedhros’ right hand in the process. Maedhros relinquished his claim as king and the kingship passed to the House of Fingolfin with Fingolfin as the High King of the Noldor. This caused the house of Fëanor to be known as “the Dispossessed” just as the doom of Mandos had foretold. His brothers, however were not all pleased by their Maedhros actions, and he sensed that they would cause feuds with their kinsmen and moved them out of Mithrim and to the lands around the Hill of Himring, which became known as the March of Maedhros

This post has been edited by Noldor Warrior KingElros: Nov 28 2006, 19:38 PM

Sindarin and others lands in Beleriand
The realm of Thingol and Melian was in Doriath. Doriath was a realm of forests about the great river Sirion, with in it the forests Neldoreth (also Taur-na-Neldor, the northern beech forest), Nivrim (also West-march, an oak forest), and Region (the main forest). Additionally, the forests of Brethil and Nan Elmoth were held as part of Doriath, but these last two lay outside the Girdle of Melian. King Elu Thingol of Doriath, also High King of the Sindar, saw all of Beleriand as his realm, from the Gelion to Belegaer.
At the Falas Sindarin Elves ruled by Círdan dwelt, and built the havens of Brithombar and Eglarest.
Ossiriand-Ossiriand, or Land of Seven Rivers, was the most eastern region of Beleriand, lying between the Ered Luin and the river Gelion.Ossiriand was a green and forested land, and it was not populated by the Sindar. In the early First Age before the rise of the Moon, the Nandor entered Ossiriand under their leader Denethor, and were given permission by Thingol to settle in the lands.

The House of Feanor
Himlad-Himlad was a land in Northeast Beleriand between the rivers Celon and Aros. On its Northern border to Lothlann were the hills of Himring and the March of Maedhros. Along with the Pass of Aglon, Himlad was held by Celegorm and Curufin.
Thargelion-Thargelion literally means 'beyond Gelion', as it was east of the river Gelion. It was north of the river Ascar, and therefore not counted as part of Ossiriand. This was the land of Caranthir.
Maglors Gap-Maglor's Gap is a lowland region lying between Himring and the Blue Mountains, the widest break in the northern mountain-fences of Beleriand. It was guarded by Maglor.
Himring-Himring was a collection of hills in northeast Beleriand that functioned as a city as well as a kingdom. The citadel on Himring was built when the Sons of Fëanor went east after Thingol became aware of the Kinslaying. It was the chief stronghold of Maedhros, from which he guarded the north-eastern border region that became known as the March of Maedhros.
Aglon-Aglon is the narrow mountain pass located between Dorthonion to the west and Himring to the east. It was of strategic importance since it joined Himlad and Lothlann, being an eastern passage from Angband to the main Beleriand. It was guarded by Celegorm and Curufin.

The House of Fingolfin and Finarfin
Fingolfin ruled in the land of Hithlum, by the northern shores of Lake Mithrim.
Fingolfin gave Fingon a domain in Dor-lómin, in the west of Hithlum.
Turgon first settled at Vinyamar in Nevrast. While he was journeying with Finrod Felagund along Sirion, Ulmo sent both of them a dream to look for a hidden place where they could build a stronghold. In the following year Ulmo appeared directly to Turgon and guided him to the vale of Tumladen in the Encircling Mountains, to which Turgon later secretly moved with many of the Noldor, deserting Nevrast, and building the city of Gondolin. Among them was Aredhel, daughter of Fingolfin
Finrod then made his stronghold in the caves of Nargothrond, and he was inspired by the halls of Menegroth, capitol of Doriath. He had the dwarves make the halls for him and paying them was not a problem because Finrod was the one who had brought most treasures out of Valinor and the dwarves had never seen anything like it. He was given the name Felagund by the dwarves, meaning "Hewer of Caves".
Angrod and Aegnor held the highlands of Dorthonion against Morgoth
The First Battle-Sindarin perspective
While the Noldor travelled through Araman, Morgoth had already arrived in Middle-earth, and had occupied his old fortress of Angband where his servants still lay hidden waiting for their master’s return. Unexpected by the Sindar, Morgoth decided to try and secure the area quickly, and he sent out his armies. Morgoth's forces broke into two hosts, passing west through the vale of Sirion and east between Aros and Gelion, some of them even scaling the passes of Anarch and Aglon.
In the east, Thingol took the offence and met the Orcs at Amon Ereb. There King Denethor of the Laiquendi (Green-Elves) met him, and the Orcs were forced back-to-back. The badly armed company of Denethor fell at Amon Ereb before Thingol could rescue him and King Denethor was slain, but the Orcs were defeated. The few orcs that survived were slain by the Dwarves of Mount Dolmed.
In the west, the Elves of the Falas under their Lord Círdan attacked the western host but they lost, and retreated to their cities of Eglarest and Brithombar. These cities were besieged after, and Doriath was unable to gather a strong enough force to aid them. The Havens were only freed when the Orcs withdrew to fight the Noldor under Fëanor.

After the First Battle, Doriath was protected by the magical Girdle of Melian.

The Third Battle
After the Dagor-nuin-Giliath the Noldor wasted their chance to destroy Morgoth's forces quickly, and instead had been building their numerous realms and establishing contacts with the Sindar.
After a while the Iron Mountains spewed forth fire and Morgoth attacked again sending out many small groups of orcs, which passed through the Pass of Sirion and Maglor's Gap. Fighting small battles along the way, they penetrated deep in West and East Beleriand, where they were destroyed by southern forces of the Noldor and Elves under Círdan of the Falas.
Meanwhile, the main force of the orcs was sent from Angband to Dorthonion, where Angrod and Aegnor held them off until armies under Fingolfin and Maedhros counter-attacked on the plains of Lothlann and Ard-galen, trapping the Orcs between them. Most of the orcs were destroyed, and they retreated to Angband. The Noldor pursued, and utterly destroyed their enemies in sight of the gates of Angband.
This was later known as the Dagor Aglareb, the third battle of the Wars of Beleriand, also known as the Glorious Battle.After it the Noldor maintained a guard on Angband, beginning the period of watchful peace known as the Siege of Angband.

The Siege of Angband
The Siege of Angband began after the Dagor Aglareb. The Noldor never actually tried to capture Angband, but were satisfied with keeping Morgoths forces inside Angband by keeping a watch over it.
Fingolfin and Fingon kept watch from Hithlum; Finrod and then Orodreth from Tol Sirion; Angrod and Aegnor from Dorthonion; and the sons of Fëanor watched the east. The siege was incomplete, as Morgoth was still capable of sending out forces of orcs through secret passages to harass the Elves. The Noldor had grown stronger though during the peace and these forces were no match for the Noldor.
The Siege of Angband lasted several hundred years, before it was broken in the Dagor Bragollach.

The coming of Men
During the siege of Angband, the elves and their lands prospered. During this time Finrod would travel far to the east, often hunting, even to Ossiriand where he became friendly with the green elves. On one of these hunting journeys in the lands of Thargelion Finrod came across Men, and he long stayed with them, learning their language and teaching them Sindarin. He also intervened on behalf of the Laiquendi of Ossiriand, who feared Men would destroy their home, and he got permission of Thingol, who held rule over all Beleriand, to guide the Men to Estolad. These men were of the House of Beör the first of the three houses of men
The House of Haleth or the Haladin were the second of the Three Houses of Men. They were the descendants of Haldad, but the house was named after Haldad's daughter Haleth, who led the people from East Beleriand to Brethil.
The House of Marach or House of Hador was the Third House of the Edain.
Named after their first leader Marach, the House was the greatest of the three Houses of the Edain, and most heroes of the First Age were members of it.They were the largest in number, and remained long in Estolad, until they were given the land of Dor-lómin as a fief under Hador Lórindol. Afterwards the House was referred to as the House of Hador.

Dagor Bragollach
Dagor Bragollach (Battle of Sudden Flame) was the fourth battle of the Wars of Beleriand.
It began when Morgoth broke the Siege of Angband. In the year 455, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame consuming Ard-galen, which was renamed Anfauglith. Many Elves perished as they fled from the fire. Many Sindar abandoned their Noldor allies and fled south to Doriath. Morgoth's armies of Balrogs and Orcs led by Glaurung overran the highlands of Dorthonion. Angrod, Aegnor and Bregolas died in battle. Maglor's horsemen were burnt alive on the plain of Lothlann and Maglor's Gap was taken, giving Morgoth an entry into Beleriand. Maglor retreated after heavy losses to Himring, where he helped to defend the city of Maedhros. All the forts of the March of Maedhros were overrun, but the ferocity and valour of Maedhros was unmatched in the battles so Himring could not be taken as the Orcs fled before him.
The Pass of Aglon was also taken, and Celegorm and Curufin fled via the north marches of Doriath towards Minas Tirith. Morgoth's Orcs took the mountain forts of Mount Rerir and defiled Lake Helevorn, scattering south through Thargelion into East Beleriand. Caranthir fled to Amon Ereb, where he and Amrod built defences. From there they slowly freed East Beleriand of the Orcs, aided by the Green Elves, while Maglor and Maedhros held the northern border. Survivors from Dorthonion and the other eastern realms rallied in Hamring, inspired by the deeds of Maedhros. Maedhros recaptured Aglon and closed that pass for Morgoth's forces. Thingol sent no direct aid to the Noldor, and the strength of Doriath grew as Sindar refugees settled there.
Minas Tirith in the Pass of Sirion was held by Orodreth, and Finrod Felagund came north from Nargothrond with a large army. However, they were ambushed by a large army of Morgoth's forces at the Fen of Serech. The Noldor now found themselves trapped, and Finrod would have been killed had it not been for a sortie led by Barahir, who descended from Dorthonion and rescued the Elven lord. It was this deed which later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod which would become known as the Ring of Barahir. Orodreth would hold out for another two years, until he was finally driven from Tol Sirion by Sauron and Draugluin. Celegorm and Curufin aided his escape, and as result found refuge in Nargothrond.
Finrod and his folk fled south to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. The mountain forts of the Ered Wethrin around Hithlum also held, although barely.

Thus the Siege was broken, the sons of Fëanor were scattered, Fingolfin trapped in Hithlum, and Orcs roamed at will throughout the north.
When Fingolfin heard this news, he became filled with wrath and despair. He took his horse Rochallor and sword Ringil, and rode alone to Angband. All enemies fled from him, fearing his anger.He smote upon the gates of Angband and challenged Morgoth to single combat. Though Morgoth feared Fingolfin (of all the Valar, Morgoth was the only one to know fear), he had to accepted the challenge, or else he would face shame in the eyes of his servants. Seven times Fingolfin wounded Morgoth and seven times Morgoth cried in pain, but he could not be slain for he was Valar. Wherever Morgoth attacked, Fingolfin would evade, avoiding Morgoth's weapon Grond as it would crack the ground. Eventually, Fingolfin grew weary and stumbled on a crater. Then Morgoth placed his foot upon Fingolfin and killed him, but not before the king, with his last act of defiance, hewed at Morgoth's foot. Morgoth, from thence forward, always walked with a limp. Thorondor flew down and raked Morgoth's eyes, and carried Fingolfin's body away to be placed on a cliff overlooking Gondolin. Later Turgon built a cairn over the remains of his father.

Beren and Luthien, part 1
The Dagor Bragollach came when Beren was still young. In the battle the entire kingdom of Dorthonion was destoyed. After that, Beren lived with his father and a group of followers in the highlands of Dorthonion at Tarn Aeluin, and they performed many acts of bravery, to the great frustration of Morgoth. These men were Gildor, Belegund, Baragund, Gorlim, Urthel, Dagnir, Ragnor, Radhruin, Dairuin, Arthad and Hathaldir. Now Gorlim had a wife named Eilinel whom he had left when he went off to war against Morgoth. He returned from battle to find his house destroyed and plundered, and his wife gone. However, he hoped that Eilinel was not dead or captured, and occasionally would return from Barahir's camp at Tarn Aeluin to his old house, seeking his wife. This soon became known to Sauron, the chief servant of Morgoth in Dorthonion. One night, as he returned to the house, he saw Eilinel at the window, weeping and calling his name. He called back to her, but at that moment she disappeared and he was captured by orcs. He was brought captive before Sauron, who sought to know Barahir's hiding-place. He tortured Gorlim until he agreed that he would tell Sauron where Barahir was hiding if he could be reunited with Eilinel. Sauron accepted, and Gorlim betrayed Barahir. After he had revealed all, Sauron revealed to Gorlim that Eilinel was long dead, and that what he had thought was his wife was a phantom of Sauron intended to trick him. But Sauron remembered that he had agreed to reunite Gorlim with his wife, and killed Gorlim.

After Orcs had slain all of Barahir's remaining men, except his son Beren, who was out hunting, Gorlim appeared as a spectre before Beren, and confessed his deeds. Beren hurried back to the camp but the orcs came first, Beren now pursued the group of orcs. The orcs had cut off Barahirs hand, the hand that wore the ring of Finrod. He retrieved the ring by killing the leader orc who held the hand, took the hand and ran away (maybe i remember wrong about this one). Beren laid the hand to rest with the rest of his father's body, but he kept and wore the ring.

Beren and Luthien, part 2
Beren now did deeds alone in Dorthonion and Morgoth put a high price for his head. Beren was atlast forced to flee. He came to Doriath and passed through the Girdle as Melian had foretold, and arrived in Neldoreth. There he met Luthien, and they fell in love. But Thingol refused to give the hand of his daughter to Beren. Thingol disliked Beren and regarded him as being unworthy of his daughter; he set a seemingly impossible task on Beren which he had to achieve before he could marry Luthien. Thingol told Beren to bring him one of the Silmarils from the iron crown of Morgoth.

Beren left Doriath and set out on his quest to Angband. Despite Thingol tried to prevent it, Lúthien later followed him because Melian had a vision that Beren had been captured by the enemy.
On his journey to the enemy’s land Beren reached Nargothrond, seeking help. Finrod went with him on the Quest of the Silmaril to repay his debt. Although Celegorm and Curufin warned them not to take the Silmaril which they considered their own and they persuaded most of Nargothrond to stay behind. Only a company of 10 elves was determined to accompany their Lord to help Beren. On their way to Angband they were seized by the servants of Sauron, and imprisoned in Tol-in-Gaurhoth (the same fortress that Finrod had built, but it was known as Minas Tirith then).Sauron imprisoned them seeking to learn their errand and identities. Sauron sent a werwolf to devour them one by one until they told their secret. They all remained faithful. When the wolf came for Beren, Finrod used the power that was in him and broke his chains and killed the wolf barehanded, but was mortally wounded himself.

Beren and Luthien, part 3
Luthien followed Beren after escaping from Doriath. Though, on her way Luthien was captured and brought to Nargothrond by Celegorm and Curufin. Celegorm and Curufin did not reveal to her that they had sent Beren to his death by the hand of Sauron, and took her as a prisoner to Nargothrond, "for her own protection", secretly plotting to wed her to Celegorm and thereby force an alliance with Lúthien's father Thingol.
Huan felt pity for Lúthien, and often sought her out. Speaking for the first time, he told her of a way to escape, and then accompanied her to Tol-in-Gaurhoth (former minas tirith) to rescue Beren. He killed all of Sauron's werewolves until Sauron himself came out; taking the shape of the greatest wolf that had ever lived up to that point. Huan nevertheless managed to defeat him, and held Sauron tightly in his jaw. Luthien said that Huan would release him if he surrendered the control of the isle to her.Sauron had to agree and was forced to flee. They freed the prisoners, many of them from Nargothrond. Luthien used her power and the isle was destroyed and cleansed, and remained clean afterwards and no new tower was built there. Huan returned to his master Celegorm.
It became known to the people of Nargothrond that Finrod had died. Finrod had been forced to lay down his crown. Orodreth took it, ruling as regent, but the Sons of Fëanor held the real power, as the people turned away from the house of Finarfin.When news came that Finrod had been killed, the Sons of Fëanor were expelled from Nargothrond, and Orodreth became its lord.
Beren would now continue with his quest, but Luthien insisted to come with him.
On their way to Himring Celegorm, Curufin and Huan came across Beren and Luthien in the north of Doriath. Curufin tried to kill Luthien, but Huan turned against his master, defending Beren and Luthien, and drove Celegorm and Curufin away. After Beren and Luthien ran into Celegorm and Curufin, Beren actually took Curufins gear, including his knife Angrist. Speaking for the second time, Huan told Beren and Luthien of his plan to gain entrance to Angband, bringing them the corpses of the werewolf Draugluin and the bat Thuringwethil, Sauron's messenger. Through magic Beren and Lúthien took the shapes of these beasts and went to Angband in this disguise, while Huan hunted in the wild.

Beren and Luthien, part 4
Beren and Lúthien had to pass the great werewolf Carcharoth on their way in. Luthien used her enchantments and put him to sleep. They passed the gates of Angband and eventually came to the throne of Morgoth. Luthien sang for Morgoth and he fell asleep.
Beren used Angrist to cut one silmaril from Morgoths iron crown. He then thought that he should take all three of them, but the knife Angrist broke when he tried to cut out another silmaril. The tip of the knife hit Morgoth and he awoke. Beren and Luthien ran like hell. Now Angband had awoken again, but Beren and Luthien came to the gate. There they met Carcharoth again. Beren held out the Silmaril, hoping that its radiance would avert the beast, but he was mistaken. Carcharoth bit off his hand and swallowed it with the silmaril. Carcharoth was burned by the pure light of the Silmaril and ran off madly. Beren was badly wounded, but Luthien managed to heal him.
Beren and Lúthien returned to Doriath where they were brought before the king. Beren said that as promised he returned with the silmaril in his hand. Thingol told Beren to show it to him, and Beren opened his hand which was empty. Then Beren lifted up his other arm, the arm where the hand Beren had held the silmaril. Thus Beren was called Camlost, meaning One-handed.
Thingol’s heart was softened and he accepted the marriage of his daughter and Beren (the first union of the Children of Iluvatar) although Beren’s task had not been fulfilled.
News now came that Carcharoth in his madness had passed into Doriath. He had to be hunted down and killed. Huan, Beren, Thingol, Beleg Cuthalion and Mablung were in the Hunt for the Wolf. They found him while he was drinking to ease his pain.
I think they tried to surround the wolf, but the wolf charged at Thingol. Beren jumped in front of Thingol and took the hit.Then Huan jumped forth and fought with Charcharoth. But Thingol didn’t care about the fight; he was at Berens side (Beren was mortally wounded too). Huan killed Carcharoth, but was mortally wounded himself. Mablung cut the belly of the beast tok the hand and the Silmaril and placed the Silmaril in Berens hand. Beren regained some strenght or something by the touch of the silmarill and handed it to Thingol saying: The quest is now fulfilled.
Huan speaking for the third and last time wished Beren farewell and died.
Beren was borne back to Menegroth, where Luthien heard of his death. She told him to wait for her in the halls of Mandos. Luthien then laid down and died. Her soul went to the Halls of Mandos, where she moved Mandos to pity through her singing, it is said that Mandos had never had been so moved before. Mandos went to Manwe,but he did not have the power to take away the gifts of Iluvatar. But Luthien was given a choice, either to dwell in Valinor and live forever and the memories of her love would live on but Beren would not return, or both of them would be restored to life in Middle-Earth but they would both be mortals then.She chose the last option. Thus Beren and Luthien lived again, and dwelt on Tol Galen in the middle of the river Adurant in Ossiriand. There they stayed apart from other mortals,but Beren was involved with the events of the First Age one more time.

Gondolin and Maeglin
While Turgon dwelled in Nevrast, Ulmo revealed the location of the Vale of Tumladen to Turgon in a dream. Turgon then travelled from his kingdom in Nevrast and found the vale.Within the Echoriath, the Encircling Mountains, just west of Dorthonion and east of the River Sirion, lay a round level plain with sheer walls on all sides and a ravine and tunnel leading out to the southwest known as the Hidden Way. In the middle of the vale there was a steep hill which was called Amon Gwareth, the "Hill of Watching". There Turgon founded a great city as Ulmo had instructed him in his dream, designed after Tirion in Valinor. Turgon and his people built Gondolin in secret, and when it was completed, he took with him to dwell in the hidden city his entire people in Nevrast.
Then the city had peace for a long time, but then the lady Aredhel wanted to visit her kindred Celegorm and she longed for the forest and free lands. She then asked leave to depart. Turgon was unwilling, fearing the exposure of the Hidden Kingdom and her own safety, but he said yes even though his heart foreboded that some evil would come of it. Riding with companions, they were denied entrance to Doriath, it being closed to the Noldor, and so they went around to the north, where she was separated in the dangerous region of Nan Dungortheb and reported lost. But she reached Himlad safely, and waited there to meet Celegorm who was abroad, but eventually she got bored and went abroad again, and became lost in the forest of Nan Elmoth.
There she married Eöl the dark elf, and they had a son named Maeglin. She used to tell him about her former life in Gondolin and by doing this she desired to see them again, and left Nan Elmoth with Maeglin while Eöl was away. They reached Gondolin (not realizing that Eöl was following them all the while), and were received with rejoice. Eöl was also discovered and brought before Turgon, but rather than accept Turgon's judgement, he attempted to kill his son with a javelin. Aredhel stepped in front of Maeglin and took the hit. It wasnt deep but the blade was poisoned and she died that night. Maeglin was now an orphan, but Turgon held him in honour, and Maeglin both learned and taught much. He became an elven-prince held in high honour.He found rich lodes of metals in the Echoriath surrounding the city, and forged weapons of steel stronger than had been seen before. Even though he was one of the mighty of Gondolin; he most desired Turgon's daughter and Maeglin's first cousin Idril. But there was no hope for him, for the Eldar wedded not with kin so near. And knowing his thought of her, Idril despised Maeglin.

The Gates of Gondolin
The gates of Gondolin numbered seven, each one higher than the previous until you came to the great gate itself. For some the journey from the first gate to the last was long, for others, it seemed short. But after the First Gate had been passed, the
choice was to go on, or die. For Gondolin was a hidden city in the valley of Tumladen, and only the eagles could come and go without Turgon's leave. Yet it was still defended, for if it was discovered a swift and sudden war would follow. So the Seven Gates were there.

First Gate:
The first was the Gate of Wood and it was an arch, hewn from the very rock of the mountains. In it was placed a portcullis of wood. It opened by touch.

Second Gate:
After passing the great ravine one came to the Second Gate, the Gate of Stone. Another great arch was there, set in a long wall punctuated by fair towers. The arch was blocked. It was if a rock had been set there and the arch was for decoration.
But it was not so. For when touched, like the Gate of Wood, it silently opened. Beyond was a courtyard of guards robed in grey, silent but wary, the Guards of the Gondolindrim.

Third Gate:
Unlike the long road from the first gate to the second, the distance from the second to the third was very small and before long you came to the Third Gate, the Gate of Bronze. Similar to the last gate it was, being set in a long wall with towers guarding it. But these towers were square, roofed and covered in Bronze which reflected the Sun's rays. The gate too, was
covered in bronze, in all types of shapes and forms. Shields and figures and many different types of signs. Once you had passed through it you came to a larger court than before with an entire company of guards at attention. These were different from the previous, for they were mail-clad and had axes with blades of red.

Fourth Gate:
Then came the steepest climb, the climb to the Fourth Gate, or the Gate of Writhen Iron as it was known. This was a mighty gate indeed and it was covered with beautiful traceries of trees and a light shone through it. Around the gate was a wall, tall and black, and four towers of Iron unlight loomed over it, threatening and inspiring. Over the gate and between the two
towers was a decoration wrought in the likeness of the great Eagle-King Thorondor who had marred Morgoth's face ever so long ago. This gate, like those before it, opened by touch revealing a great highway beyond guarded by mail-clad
elves with mantles of black and visors like an eagle's beak.

Fifth Gate:
After the steep climb to the Fourth Gate the road ran almost level to the Fifth Gate, The Gate of Silver. The wall on either side of this gate was marble, low and very broad with great globes set upon it. The gate itself was of silver and pearl and above it the beauty of Telperion was cast in silver and malachite with flowers of pearl. A green and white marble court
was behind with a hundred archers in silver and white on both sides of the courtyard.

Sixth Gate:
A long white road led from the archers to the next gate being the sixth, the Golden Gate. This was the ancient gate wrought before the Battle of Unnumbered Tears and it was brilliant to look upon. Identical to the Silver Gate it was, except that the wall was made of yellow marble and the globes were of gold and on a plinth of a gold pyramid stood an image of Laurelin,
fairest of trees. Garnet, Topaz and Diamond on the solid gold. Brighter than fire.
The guards of the sixth gate were three hundred in number, archers of guilded mail with fire-red shields.

Seventh Gate:
Only a short distance away now did it stand. The Seventh Gate. The Great Gate. The Gate of Steel wrought by Maeglin after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. Immense it was, the gate that guarded the enrance to the Orfalch Echor and strange indeed. For it was not an arch set in a wall like the others had been but a massive trellis of steel between two round towers. Seven pillars of steel stood there, each tapering to a deadly spike.
In the center though, raised above all else was the helm of the king, the Lord Turgon. Yet no gate was visible, an impenetrable wall it seemed, yet when struck it sounded like a harp and guards would come forth and Ecthelion, Warden of the Great Gate, Lord of the Fountain, Servant of Turgon, would touch it and it would open.

Hurin and Huor
In 458, Huor and Hurin dwelt with their kin in the forest of Brethil, when they joined a war party against Orcs. They ended up in the Vale of Sirion, and were cut off from their company. Chased by Orcs, Ulmo caused a mist to arise from the rivers, and the brothers escaped into Dimbar. There two Eagles picked them up, and brought them to Gondolin. King Turgon of Gondolin welcomed the brothers, remembering Ulmo's prophecy that the House of Hador would aide Gondolin in their time of greatest need. Turgon wished them to remain as he grew to love them, but the brothers wished to return to their kin after some years, though they loved the city of Gondolin. Maeglin mistrusted them greatly, and therefore Huor and Hurin swore an oath to keep Gondolin secret, and Eagles brought them back to Dor-lomin.
They did not reveal the secret to anyone, not even their own father.

In 462 Morgoth assailed Hithlum, and Hurin's father Galdor fell defending the Ered Wethrin. Hurin chased the Orcs away with heavy losses over the plains of Anfauglith. After this, Hurin ruled over Dor-lómin in Hithlum.
Two years later he wedded Morwen Elf-Sheen of the House of Bëor, and later in the year their son Turin was born. A daughter Lalaith followed, but she died aged three years old by a plague sent from Angband.

In about 470 Huor wedded Rian of the House of Bëor, and they had a son. He named the child Tuor even before birth, and had to leave his home when called to the muster of King Fingon.

This post has been edited by KingElros: Dec 30 2006, 11:00 AM

Nirnaeth Arnoediad (The Battle Of Unnumbered Tears)
In 473 Maedhros decided that taking the offence against Angband might help the Noldor regain their former lands, and taking hope upon hearing the deeds of Beren and Luthien, he gathered his brothers, and united with other Elven Houses to create the Union of Maedhros, an alliance of Elves, Men, and Dwarves to drive the Orcs from Beleriand and lay siege to Morgoth’s fortress of Angband. In the almost two decades since their defeat in the Dagor Bragollach, the Noldor had lost control over the entire north of Beleriand, and were for the most part reduced to refugees dwelling in Hithlum and Nargothrond, while Gondolin was shut and unknown.
Under the Union of Maedhros the Elves of Beleriand, the Edain, Dwarves, and the newly arrived Easterlings were invited to combine in arms and fight Morgoth. The Union first cleared Beleriand and Dorthonion from the Orcs, and then gathered to assault Thangorodrim.
The plan was for Maedhros's host to attack and draw out the army of Angband, after which Fingon's host would attack from the Ered Wethrin, taking the offensive in the west.


Under Maedhros in the east were gathered the remainder of the sons of Fëanor, the Elves and Men of Himring under Maedhros and Bor, and the men of Amon Ereb under Caranthir and Ulfang. Bor, Ulfang and their sons were the greatest chiefs of the Easterlings.
Because of the evil deeds of Celegorm and Curufin, Nargothrond would send only a small company of men under Gwindor; they wanted to revenge his brother Gelmir. From Doriath, where Thingol had sworn never to support any son of Fëanor, came only Mablung and Beleg, who did not wish to remain behind.
Under Fingon in the west were gathered the Elves and Men of Hithlum, the Elves of the Falas, the Haladin of Brethil and the companies sent from Nargothrond and the two Elves of Doriath, Beleg and Mablung.
However, Turgon and Maeglin unexpectedly came forth with over ten thousand Elves from Gondolin.

But Morgoth through his spies had learned of the battle plan, and his spy Ulfang, who proved to be a traitor, delayed Maedhros. Meanwhile a small force of Orcs went forth from Angband, provoking the western host. However Hurin and Huor restrained the Elves. But then within sight of the Ered Wethrin, Gwindor's brother Gelmir, captured during the Dagor Bragollach, was brought forth, and brutally slain.Hurin and Huor could not hold back Gwindor. Enraged, Gwindor broke ranks, and with him most of Fingon's troops as well as a part of Turgon's men. Their rage was so great that they nearly destroyed the Orc host and foiled Morgoth's plans.
It is said that Morgoth trembled as Gwindor's company pounded at his gates. They burst through, and slew the guards on the steps of Angband. But then, they were surrounded by hidden forces, and all were slain or taken. From hidden gates around Angband thousands of Orcs erupted, driving back the host of Fingon from the walls. The Elven army was driven back with great slaughter. Many Haladin fell in the rearguard.
Turgon, who had withheld his men from the reckless charge, now came upon the Orc-host. The phalanx of Turgon broke through the Angband lines, and met with the guard of Fingon, along with Hurin. The meeting of the two brothers Fingon and Turgon was glad.
Finally Maedhros arrived, but before he could meet with Fingon and Turgon, Glaurung and Gothmog met his host. Still they might have won, but Uldor the accursed, son of Ulfang the Black and a traitor, turned ranks and attacked Maedhros in the rear, while more of his kin came down from the mountains and attacked. The eastern host was scattered, and only the valour of the Dwarves of Belegost helped them escape, as their lord Azaghal and his forces held off Glaurung, allowing the sons of Feanor to escape into Ossiriand.
Azaghal and his army fought with fierce iron masks on, and they were able to resist the dragon fire far better the Elves and Men. Then Glaurung trampled Azaghal beneath his feet, but Azaghal ran a dagger through Glaurung's stomach, and the dragon fled in pain, screaming. With him fled many of the host of Morgoth. In a solemn ceremony the Dwarves picked up their fallen leader, forgetting about the battle, and they marched his corpse home. Their wrath was so great that none troubled them.
The western host were attacked by many Orcs under Gothmog. The Armies of Fingon were separated from the others and he was left alone with his Guard to fight Gothmog. The Balrog scattered Fingon's host and killed his personal guards. In that mighty duel Gothmog could not win, but another Balrog caught Fingon from behind with his whip and Gothmog killed the defenceless Fingon. After that other balrog came and used his whip, Gothmog hit Fingon in his head with such a force that even Fingon's Elven helmet broke... Not to mention after Fingon died they stamped him and his banner until it was no longer blue but a brownish red from the blood and dirt.
Then Hurin begged Turgon to retreat to Gondolin. Huor and Hurin and the remaining Men of Dor-lomin formed a living wall across the Fens of Serech, buying time for Turgon to escape with most of the surviving Elves of the north. The Men of Dor-lomin were all slain, until Huor fell when his eye was pierced by a poisoned arrow, and his brother Hurin was captured alive when he was buried under a huge poile of orcs he had slain. The orcs would grab him and Hurin would cut of their amrs/hands. In the end he was so covered with orcs that...well you know what happens
Morgoth's victory was near complete, as he had destroyed all the people of Hithlum and had scattered the sons of Feanor away from Himring. Morgoth's Orcs razed all of Beleriand except for Doriath, which was still protected by the Girdle of Melian, and sacked the havens of the Falas.

Morgoth betrayed his servants, the Easterlings under Ulfang and his sons (who had been killed themselves), trapping them in Hithlum under penalty of death, and denied them the fertile lands of Beleriand. Still Morgoth knew fear, for Turgon, now High King of the Noldor after the death of Fingon in the battle had survived, and his city Gondolin was still unknown to Morgoth.

For their betrayal, Men were forevermore estranged from Elves, except for the Edain. It should be noted that the Easterlings under Bor and his sons remained faithful and were hailed as heroes.

Hurin
In the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Hurin fought alongside Huor and the Sons of Hador. In the midst of battle he met again with Turgon, and their meeting was glad. When the battle was lost, Hurin and Huor took a stand fighting off the Orcs, allowing Turgon to escape. Huor was slain, but Hurin fought with his battle-axe until he was buried under a mountain of slain Orcs and Trolls. Hurin was brought captive to Morgoth, and was cursed along with his kin because he refused to reveal the location of Gondolin.

Hurin was placed high on the peaks of Thangorodrim, either chained or magically immobilized in a seat where, through the power of Morgoth, he could see all the evils that later befell his son Turin. He never saw his second daughter Nienor, who was born while he was a captive.

So that's the reason all those terrible things happened to the family of Hurin, because he was so brave and faithful and loved Turgon and the city of Gondolin...

Turin: part 1
After Hurin was captured in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Turin remained with his mother Morwen, who hid him from the Easterlings that Morgoth had sent to Hithlum, fearing they would kill Turin or enslave him. When Túrin was seven years old Morwen sent him to Doriath secretly, where he was adopted by Thingol as a son (Thingol's mood against Men had now changed completely after he met Beren). After this Turin's second sister, Nienor was born. Turin was restless, and as soon as he was permitted he joined Beleg Cuthalion on the marches of Doriath, fighting the Orcs of Morgoth. He wore the Dragon-helm of Dor-lomin, and the Orcs began to fear him more than any other.
After living in Doriath for twelve years, Turin accidentally killed Saeros, who had provoked and attacked him. Before he could be either punished or forgiven he fled, and eventually meeting up with a band of outlaws that dwelt south of Brethil. There he identified himself only as Neithan (meaning the wronged), and became their leader.
Turin's band captured Mîm the Petty-dwarf, while two other dwarves were able to escape. One of Túrin's men shot an arrow in the darkness at the fleeing dwarves, killing Khîm, the son of Mîm. After this, Mîm was forced to share his halls on Amon Rûdh with them.
In the meantime Beleg gained leave by Thingol to seek out his friend. Thingol had pardoned Turin for the death of Saeros after learning of the circumstances. Beleg found Turin's outlaws at Amon Rûdh. When he could not persuade his friend to leave them, he returned to Doriath. But Beleg's quest was not entirely in vain, after this Turin stopped the outlaws from raiding houses of Men and only hunted Orcs.
Back in Doriath, Beleg asked for leave to join his friend. Thingol allowed this and also gave him a sword of his own wish and Beleg chose the black sword Anglachel. Melian gave him lembas and also gave him a warning concerning the sword, knowing that it had belonged to Eöl. Beleg returned to Turin that winter, healing those of the band that had become sick with cold. He brought with him the Dragon-helm, and the area around Amon Rûdh became known as Dor-Cúarthol, the Land of Bow and Helm" (since Beleg was known as a mighty bowman). There Turin took the name Gorthol, The Dread Helm. Many warriors joined them, and much of West Beleriand was freed from evil for a while.

Turin, part 2
Eventually Túrin was betrayed by Mim who laid a party of orcs to Amon Rudh but they had to promise not to kill Turin.
Turin was captured and all his men slain. Beleg survived because he was of the mighty of the Elves and healed from wounds much faster, and he rescued Turin from the Orcs in Taur-nu-Fuin with the help of the elf Gwindor, the same Gwindor from Nargothrond that fought and was captured in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, an escaped slave of Morgoth.
Unfortunately, when Beleg was cutting the sleeping Turin free from his bonds, he pricked Turin's foot with Anglachel, and Turin, mistaking Beleg for an Orc come to torment him, took the sword and killed Beleg.
Gwindor then led Turin, who was dazed with grief after this, to the Pools of Ivrin, where he returned to his senses and cried...for a long time
Gwindor then led Turin to Nargothrond, where once he had lived. Turin hid his identity, calling himself Agarwaen son of Umarth (meaning Bloodstained son of Ill-fate). He had Anglachel reforged and named it Gurthang, Iron of Death. Finduilas, daughter of Orodreth, fell in love with him, but he avoided her because she had previously been the beloved of his friend Gwindor. Turin was also called Adanedhel (Man-Elf) because he was so like an Elf, though he was human.
Turin became a chief counsellor of Orodreth, and was extremely influential in Nargothrond. He encouraged the Nargothrondrim to abandon their practice of secrecy, and they built a great bridge before the gates. Because of his prowess with Gurthang, he became known as the Mormegil (Black Sword), or the Black Sword of Nargothrond. However, Turin became arrogant, ignoring a warning from Ulmo himself passed on from Círdan to destroy the bridge. (What an idiot...this is another good reason for me blaming the fall of Nargothrond on Turin)
Morgoth sent Glaurung to Nargothrond, and Turin encouraged Orodreth to send his forces to fight Glaurung (again, what an idiot). During the Battle of Tumhalad, Nargothrond's forces were destroyed, the bridge that Turin had built helped Morgoth's forces cross the river of Narog, and Gwindor was slain. Orodreth, Lord of Nargothrond also died in that battle. When he died, he instructed Túrin with his last words to save Finduilas. While hastening to do this, Turin was caught by the powerful gaze of Glaurung, and stood by idly as Finduilas was dragged away, calling to him. Glaurung deceived him into believing Morwen and Nienor were suffering in Dor-lomin, and Turin abandoned Finduilas to seek out his kin. Actually Morwen and Nienor were safely in Doriath, having moved there after Turin's own efforts had made the way passable.
When news of Nargothrond's destruction reached Doriath, Morwen and Nienor rashly went to look for Turin, aided by a large company of Elves. Unfortunately, Glaurang, who now dwelt in the ruined halls of Nargothrond, attacked. Morwen was lost, the Elves fled, but Nienor met the dragon and fought with him in a battle of wills. She lost, and Glaurang maliciously put a spell on Nienor, making her forget all of her memories. Mablung, seeing her in this state, sadly guided her on the road back to Doriath. More misfortune befell as Orcs attacked and Nienor fled before the Elves could stop her and they could not find her.
Meanwhile in Dor-lomin, Turin found his old home empty. He went to the halls of the Easterling lord Brodda, who had taken Hurin's kinswoman Aerin as a wife and had taken Hurin's lands and possessions. From Aerin, Turin learned that Morwen had left, and in his rage he killed Brodda, thereby also sealing Aerin's fate. As Turin left again, Aerin burnt herself alive in her halls, and the remainder of the House of Hador now was persecuted even more cruelly. Because of this, Turin's kin were glad to see him go away.

Turin next tried to find Finduilas, but by the time he picked up the Orc's trail he came too late: the woodsmen of Brethil informed him she had been killed as they had tried to rescue the prisoners of Nargothrond. Turin collapsed on the mound she was buried in, and was brought to Brethil.

Turin Turambar
In Brethil Turin began a new life, now calling himself Turambar (meaning master of fate), thinking that his curse was now finally over. He stopped wielding the Black Sword in the forest, but rather fought with a spear and bow. One day he found Nienor on Finduilas's grave, who did not remember her name, and therefore they did not recognize each other. Calling her Níniel Turin later took her as his wife. Brandir lord of the Haladin of Brethil fell in love with Niniel, but she only loved Turin. Níniel got pregnant and Turin was happy for the first time for a long while. But Turin's happiness ended when Glaurung sent orcs to Brethil. Taking up his Black Sword again, Turin drove them away, taking control of Brethil from Brandir much like he had done in Nargothrond (people stopped listening to Brandir). However, soon Glaurang attacked Brethil. Turin with two others set out to kill the dragon, but he was the only one to reach him. With his black sword he killed Glaurung at Cabed-en-Aras, but when he pulled his sword out the blood (i think it was the blood, maybe im wrong) of the dragon stained his hand and he was burned and fell asleep or something. As Níniel came to search for him, Glaurung with his last words undid his spell, and she remembered who she was and that Turin was her brother. Realizing she had married her own brother and was carrying his unborn child, she committed suicide by throwing herself into the ravine at Cabed-en-Aras.
When Turin awoke he was told by Brandir what had happened. He killed Brandir, refusing to believe his story. When he learned from Mablung of Doriath who had come to seek him that Brandir had told the truth, he killed himself on Gurthang, his black sword.The sword also broke

Turin was buried near Finduilas' grave, and on his tomb stone the Haladin wrote in the Cirth of Doriath:
TÚRIN TURAMBAR DAGNIR GLAURUNGA
(Túrin, Conqueror of Fate, Slayer of Glaurung)

Beneath that they also wrote:
NIENOR NÍNIEL
(Although her body could not be found.)

Tuor and his coming to Gondolin
Tuor was the only son of Huor and Rian and was the cousin of Turin Turambar. Huor died in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad in 471, and Rian died two years later. Tuor was first fostered by Elves, but was then captured by Easterlings.
Tuor later escaped, and lived the life of an outlaw. He was ordered by the Ulmo to go to Gondolin, in order to warn the King Turgon. Passing through the old Gate of the Noldor (Sindarin Annon-in-Gelydh) he came into Nevrast
Tuor found arms and armour in the ruins of Vinyamar which had been left there by Turgon centuries ago.


Tuor then met Ulmo himself at the coast of Belegaer.


Ulmo gave him a message for Turgon.
Now I have to tell another story: Turgon tried many times to get aid from the Valar in west and sent many mariners into the west. The Doom of Mandos, however, made any such attempt useless and they all died, except Voronwë.He was saved by Ulmo with the purpose of leading Tuor to Gondolin.
Passing through the Fell Winter, Tuor and Voronwë eventually arrived in Gondolin.

He was brought to Turgon and gave him the message of Ulmo

Tuor remained in Gondolin, and swiftly became one of the mighty of the city.He and Idril Celebrindal fell in love and they got married.This was the second union between an Elf and a Man. They had one child, Eärendil.

Return of Hurin
In 500 FA, Hurin was released by Morgoth. He was went to his old homelands in Hithlum, but the Easterlings now living there at first did not recognize him and later feared him, believing he served Morgoth,because Morgoth had an army following Hurin. The House of Hador had been destroyed or enslaved. Hurin now went to the vale of Sirion, where he knew Gondolin lay hidden. Hurin sought long for the entrance, but Gondolin was closed, and Turgon at first did not wish to allow Hurin in. Hurin cried out against Turgon, thus revealing the area of location of Gondolin to Morgoth's spies, and then left. Only after he had left did Turgon have a change of heart and send Eagles to fetch him, but they came too late and did not find him.
Hurin continued to the forest of Brethil where his son and daughter had died, and met his wife Morwen there at their grave, just before she died as well.
Hurin now went to Nargothrond, where he killed the Petty-dwarf Mîm who had claimed the treasure of Glaurung, earning a curse on the gold. Hurin brought the Nauglamir to Doriath, giving it to Thingol saying that it was inderectly, Thingol's fault that Fingon and Nargothrond had fallen by giving Beren that quest. Thingol understood what Hurin meant,but he pitied him.

By bringing that jewel to Doriath, Hurin caused the downfall of Doriath too. Melian's kind words managed to break through to Hurin's clouded mind, and Hurin finally saw that all his deeds had only aided Morgoth. As broken man, he cast himself in the sea and ended his life. Thus ended Hurin, who was known as the mightiest of the warriors of men ever to live

Maeglin's betrayal
When Tuor came, carrying Ulmo's warning of the danger to Gondolin, Maeglin sat on the right hand of Turgon and argued against Tuor. Tuor's marriage with Idril further incensed Maeglin, who rebelled against Turgon and Tuor. Later, seeking after metals, Maeglin defied Turgon's order to stay within the mountains, and was captured by Orcs and brought to Angband. Morgoth promised both Gondolin and Idril in return for the location of the hidden city, thus luring Maeglin into the greatest treachery done in the Elder Days. Maeglin returned to Gondolin saying nothing...

The Fall of Gondolin
After Maeglin revealed the location of the city, Morgoth prepared for an attack on the city.


Scouts came to the city crying "Melkor is upon us." Then all were afraid, but the squares of the city were filled with the mustering of the companies (houses)

The 12 Houses of Gondolin:
-The House of The White Wing, under Tuor
This was the bodyguard of Tuor, and the smallest house. Their emblem was a swan-wing upon a blue background.

-The House of the Mole, under Maeglin
This house was comprised of miners loyal to Maeglin. They wore sable attire, and their emblem was a mole upon black.

-The House of the Swallow, under Duilin
This folk had the best archers of Gondolin. Their emblem was a fan of purple feathers.

-The House of the Heavenly Arch, under Egalmoth
This was a folk of great riches; they comprised the other half of the archers of Gondolin.

-The Twin House of the Pillar and the Tower of Snow, under Pengolodh
Not much is told about this folk. Their commander was slain during the Fall of Gondolin, he was a great writer of the Eldar.

-The House of the Tree, under Galdor
This house wielded clubs and slings. their emblem was a tree upon green.

-The House of the Golden Flower, under Glorfindel
This house's emblem was a golden flower upon a field of green.

-The House of the Fountain, under Ecthelion
This house was the guard of the fountains, primarily that of the king. Also, warriors of this house defended the seventh gate of Gondolin. These folk loved silver and diamond, and marched into battle to the playing of flutes.

-The House of the Harp, under Salgant
This was a house of musicians, and their emblem was a silver harp upon a black background. However, their leader was a coward.

-The Hammer of Wrath, under Rôg
This was the largest and most valiant house. They were comprised of those blacksmiths that were not under Maeglin, as well as escaped thralls of Morgoth. They perished to the last elf during the Fall of Gondolin. Their symbol was a black anvil with a hammer upon a red background.

-The House of the King, under King Turgon
The house of the King was comprised of his family and bodyguard. Their symbol was a star, the moon, and the red heart of Finwe.


Turgon called a council, and though Tuor and others counselled him to fight out in the plain in the hope that they could break through and escape, Turgon listened to the counsel of Maeglin and Salgant, and remained in the city to guard his treasures and the work of his hands behind strong walls.

The Fall of Gondolin: The Siege Of Gondolin
Upon the reaching of the city by Gothmog and his army, the archers of Gondolin poured unavailing arrows upon them. All feared, but hope returned to them when it was found that the snakes of fire could not climb the hill for its steepness and glassiness, and because of the waters that poured down its sides. But they lay about the feet of the city and rose up such heat that all in the city panted and were weary, and all fountains save those of the king grew hot.

Then Gothmog gathered all things of iron and piled them upon the North Gate, and at last the gates broke. Then did the catapults and engines of the king pour down darts and boulders, but they bounced off the heavy bodies. Then the orcs poured through the gates.


However Rog and Galdor with the House of the Hammer of Wrath and the House of the Tree leaped forward, while the Folk of the Swallow and of the Arch poured down arrows. The orcs fell like leaves, but because of their might the Gondothlim were pushed back into the city until the orcs held the northernmost part of the city.

Idril herself arrayed herself in mail, and sought Eärendil, who wept in fear because of the
red lights dancing on the walls of his chamber. And she gave him a small coat of mail to put on, and this he did and feared no more.
Tuor was at this time leading the Folk of the Wing through the turmoil, and at last he won his way to his house, and found that Maeglin had been there first. Now Maeglin intended to escape the sack and have his revenge by first throwing Eärendil from the wall and then forcing Idril to lead him to her secret passage out of the city.

Now Tuor had come to this house to say farewell to his wife and son, and sent a bodyguard with them to the secret passage, but found the House of the Mole about the door, and these the grimmest and least good-hearted in the city. Then Tuor saw Maeglin, who had Eärendil in his arms and Idril by the hair upon the battlements, but encumbered by the child and because Idril was fighting him he moved slowly, cursing as he went. Then Tuor gave such a shout that the orcs far away wavered, and the Folk of the Wing threw themselves upon the Folk of the Mole, and Tuor pushed past. Maeglin seeing Tuor drew a knife, and would have stabbed Eärendil, but the boy bit his hand, and the blow came down not solidly, bouncing off the mail coat. Then Tuor caught him up by the hand that held the knife and wrenching it broke Maeglin's arm. Then he lifted Maeglin up by the middle and hurled him out from the wall, and thrice did his body smite the slope of Amon Gwareth, until if fell into the flames.
But then the Folk of the Mole came at Tuor, and they were put to blows. Yet none could stand before the wrath of Tuor, and they flew before him. Then Tuor and his men were forced to return to the gate, but Tuor left Voronwë and several swordsmen to guard Idril in his absence.

Back at the gate the battle was evil, and Duilin was stricken by a bolt from a balrog, and fell from the walls and perished. The balrogs continued to shoot darts of fire and flaming arrows like small snakes into the sky, and these fell upon the roofs and gardens of Gondolin until all the trees and gardens were burnt, and the walls blackened. Worse still it was when the demons climbed upon the coils of the serpents of iron and thence loosed unceasingly from their bows and slings till a fire began to burn in the city to the back of the main army of the defenders.

Then Rog of the House of the Hammer of Wrath cried out "Who now shall fear the Balrogs for all their terror? See before us the accursed ones who for ages have tormented the children of the Noldoli (Noldor), and who now set a fire at our backs with their shooting. Come ye of the Hammer of Wrath and we will smite them for their evil." Then he lifted up his long-handled mace, and the people of the Stricken Anvil followed him, running like a wedge, and they were in a great rage. Many of the orcs were borne backwards, and they leaped even upon the coils of the serpents and came at those Balrogs and smote them greviously. A number of the balrogs were slain, and they were sung as heroes ever after.

But Gothmog fell upon them, and at the last Rog was slain, and all the folk of the Hammer of Wrath with him, and in those streets there perished also Penlod and many of the House of the Pillar and of the House of the Tower of Snow.

The orcs held the gates, and many of the archers of the House of the Swallow and of the House of the Heavenly Arch were thrust to doom, but they had won a great space reaching nigh to the center of the city, even to the Place of the Well that adjoined the Square of the Palace. Then came Ecthelion and the House of the Fountain, whom Turgon had till now
held in reserve. And they fell upon the orcs with such fury that ever after "Ecthelion!" was a warcry of the Eldar.

Now Tuor and the Folk of the Wing arrayed themselves beside Ecthelion's company, and by their valiant blows pushed the orcs almost all the way back to the gate. Then there came a quaking, for the dragons were beating a path up Amon Gwareth and casting down the walls of the city, and already there was a gap. Little bands of the House of the Swallow and of the Arch fought bitterly amid the wreakage, but even as Tuor came one of the brazen snakes smote the western wall, and a great mass of it shook and fell. Behind came a creature of fire and Balrogs upon it. Flames shot from its mouth, clearing the streets, and the wings of the helm of Tuor were blackened.

Then the orcs returned, though Tuor slew Othrond, the Lord of the Orcs, and Balcmeg and Lug, and Ecthelion slew the champion Orcobal. At last they reached the balrogs, and Ecthelion alone slew three of them


At last Ecthelion was wounded, but Tuor would not leave him, though the feet of the beast were like to trample them. But Tuor hewed at the foot of the creature so that flame spouted forth, and the beast screamed and lashed its tale so that many orcs and Noldor were killed by its blows. Then Tuor lifted up Ecthelion and with his last remnant escaped the drake, but the Gondothlim were sorely shaken.

Tuor reached the Square of the Folwell by way of the north, and found there Galdor denying orcs the entrance by way of the Arch of Ingwe, and but few of the elves of the Tree were left. It was then that Galdor saved Tuor's life, for Tuor tripped over a dead body in the dark and the orcs would have caught him had not Galdor leaped forward and hurled them back single-handedly.

Gradually the remaining companies seeped out of the Place of the Well, and went to the more defensable Square of the Palace. Thus was the last gathering, and many among them were wounded, and Tuor was tired. Even as he led his battalion in via the Road of the Arches there arose a noise, for Glorfindel and the last of the House of the Golden Flower returned, having fought a terrible conflict in the Great Market on the east side of the city, and Glorfindel only barely escaped.

Turgon had sent the House of the Harp to their aid, but Salgant concealed this bidding from his soldiers, saying that they were to garrison the square of the Lesser Market to the south. But they resisted Salgant and came before the king's hall, timely enough to save Glorfindel and push the enemy back into the market, though many perished there.

Tuor drank from the fountain, and gave the swooned Ecthelion a drink, so that he woke. Then Egalmoth came, for he had gathered some of the Arch and Swallow about him, and cast away his bow. They went about the city dealing blows where they met the enemy, and men were glad to see him, for they had thought him dead, and he was a kingly lord. The women and children had been brought into the palace, and a few survivors from each company had made it there, save that of the Hammer of Wrath, and the House of the King was untouched. Long they resisted the press of foes around the Square of the Palace, but at last a drake broke through the line on the north, destroying the Alley of Roses. Tuor stood in the way of the beast, but was seperated from Egalmoth, and became weary. Then Gothmog came, and beat him down. But Ecthelion, who rose on weak legs, strode over Tuor's form. But when he thrust his sword at the balrog he recieved a wound on his sword-arm, so that he dropped the sword, and Gothmog was unhurt. As Gothmog raised his whip for a final blow, Ecthelion leaped forward, and drove the spike of his helm into the evil breast of the balrog. And he entwined his legs about the balrog's thighs, so that they both fell into the Fountain, and Gothmog's fire was quenched, for the fountain was very deep.Ecthelion drowned because he could not swim in his heavy mail. And Tuor wept for the loss of Ecthelion



Then came the soldiers of the House of the King, and they threw themselves upon the enemy with such vigor as to even push one of the Fire-drakes into the Fountain of the King, destroying it. But a vast column of vapor rose, and many killed each other in the confusion. Despite the many deaths they rallied in a last stand beneath Glingal and Belthil, the trees in the court.

Then said King Turgon "Great is the fall of Gondolin” and the elves about him shuddered, for such were the words of Amnon the prophet. But Tuor spoke wildly for ruth and love of the king.

"Gondolin stands yet, and Ulmo will not suffer it to perish!" he cried. But Turgon responded:

"Evil have I brought upon the Flower of the Plain in despite of Ulmo, and now he leaveth it to wither in the fire. Lo! hope is no more in my heart for my city of loveliness, but the children of the Noldoli shall not be worsted for ever." Thus he spake.

Then the Gondothlim clashed their weapons, and Turgon spoke again. "Fight not against doom, O my children! Seek ye who may safety in flight, if perhaps there be time yet: but let Tuor have your lealty." But Tuor said: "Thou art king;" and Turgon made answer: "Yet no blow will I strike more."

Then Turgon cast his crown at the roots of Glingal, the Golden Tree, and though Galdor who stood near picked it up, Turgon would not accept it, and bare of head he climbed to the topmost pinnacle of the White Tower. There he shouted in a voice like a horn blown among the mountains: "Great is the victory of the Noldoli!" It was said to be the middle of the night at this time, and the orcs yelled in derision.

Then they spoke of a sally (a sortie from the city). Many held that it was impossible to burst through, nor might they even get over the plain or through the hills, and that it was better therefore to die with and for the king. But Tuor at last revealed to them Idril's Secret Way. The plan seemed desperate, because of the narrowness of the tunnel and the great amount of people, but that was their only choice. But Turgon refused.

"Let Tuor," he said, "be your guide and your chieftain. But I Turgon will not leave my city, and will burn with it." Then again they urged him: "Sire, who are the Gondothlim if thou perish? Lead us!" But again he responded, "Lo! I abide here." And when again they urged him for a third time, he cried "If I am king, obey my behests, and dare not to parley further with my commands." After that they sent no more and made ready for the forlorn attempt. But the folk of the royal house that yet lived would not budge a foot, and gathered thickly about the base of the king's tower. "Here," said they, "We will stay if Turgon goes not forth." And they could not be persuaded.

The Fall Of Gondolin: Escape from Gondolin
Then Tuor's heart was split between love for the King and love for Idril and Eärendil. But even as he hesitated the last onslaught was being prepared, and he made his choice. Hearing the wailing of the women he at last gathered all his company, and they moved southward by way of the Road of Pomps and the Way of Running Waters. But fire-drakes came, some of the largest, and Tuor forced the company on at a run. But Glorfindel held them off at the rear, and many more of the House of the Golden Flower fell there. But even as they ran on Tuor halted at Gar Ainion, where he and Idril were married. And there stood Idril before him, and beside her Voronwë. But Idril did not see him, for she gazed back at the palace of her father. Then all halted and looked back, and saw that a drake was coiled upon the very steps, and defiled their whiteness. Orcs were rushing about, dragging out the innocent and forgotten, the women and children who had not made it to the palace, and murduring them or making captives of them. The trees were withered, and the tower was besieged. Even they could see the king upon the topmost tower, standing tall.

"Woe is me whose father awaiteth doom even upon his topmost pinnacle; but seven times woe whose lord hath gone down before Melko and will stride home no more!" cried Idril.

"Lo! Idril, it is I, and I live," said Tuor, "yet now will I get thy father hence, be it from the Hells of Melkor!" With that he would have gone down the hill alone, maddened with grief, but Idril coming to her wits grasped his heel, crying "My lord!" But even as she spoke thus the tower fell, and Turgon was buried.

Then Idril said heavily "Sad is the blindness of the wise."

"Sad too is the stubbornness of those we love," replied Tuor, and he kissed his wife, for he loved her more than all of the people of Gondolin, but still she wept for her father. Then Tuor turned to the captains, saying: "Lo, we must get hence with all speed, lest we be surrounded."

Then they moved quickly, and met only scattered bands of plunderers. But every now and then they met a woman or child, and they joined them, though Tuor allowed them to take nothing but a little food.

Then Voronwë told Tuor of how Idril had waited before the door of her house, and how she wept for lack of tidings of her husband. At length she sent most of her guard with Eärendil down the secret way, and girding up a sword went about the city gathering up the women and children and sending them down the tunnel.

Then they reached the house, and found it thrown down. The exiles said farewell to Gondolin, and went down into the tunnel.

The tunnel was hot and stuffy, for the dragons above caused it. Many boulders were loosed by the trembling above, and not a few were crushed. The fumes caused their torches and lanterns to go out, so that they were in darkness. They found to their horror bodies of those who had cone before, and Tuor feared greatly for his son. They were in that tunnel two hours, until at last they reached a basin where once water had been, but was now full of bushed. There was gathered much of the folk that had gone on before, but Eärendil was not among them, and Tuor and Idril were in great anguish.

"Now," said Galdor, "We must get as far hence toward the Encircling Mountains as may be ere dawn come upon us, and that giveth no great space of time, for summer is at hand." But a dissension rose, for a number said it was folly to make for Cristhorn, as Tuor had proposed.

"The sun," they said, "Will be up long ere we win the foothills, and we shall be whelmed in the plain by those drakes and those demons. Let us fare to Bad Uthwen, the Way of Escape, for that is but half the journeying, and our weary and wounded may hope to win so far if no further."

But Idril spoke against this, and pursuaded the lords that they trust not to the magic of that way that had aforetime shielded it from discovery: "for what magic stands if Gondolin be fallen?"

But nonetheless a large body of men and women left Tuor and went to Bad Uthwen, and were destroyed by the jaws of a dragon that stood there at the order of Morgoth, as Maeglin had proposed. But those in Tuor's company were led by Legolas Greenleaf, who knew all the plain by night or day, and could see well in the dark.(Note that this is not Legolas of Mirkwood. Legolas of Gondolin, whom Tolkien would likely have renamed, has a different etymology.)

They made much speed despite their weariness, and a mist fell upon them. This was a marvel, for never before had mist come, and fared away in safety until they were too far away for any to see them from the hill or ruined walls.

The mists lifted at last late in the day, but Gondolin was still enshrouded. But at the edge of the clearing of the mist, but a few furlongs off, a knot of Noldor on foot were fleeing strange cavalry of orcs mounted on wolves, carrying spears.

"Lo! there is Eärendil my son," cried Tuor. "Behold his face shineth as a star in the waste, and my men of the Wing are about him, and they are in sore straits." Then he chose fifty of those that were least weary, and leaving the main company fared over that plain swiftly as they could, and Tuor shouted to the soldiers below to stand and flee not, for the wolfriders were scattering them and killing them off, and the child was seated upon the shoulders of Hendor, a house-carle of Idril's. Then they stood back to back, with Hendor amidmost, but Tuor soon came up, though all his troop was breathless.

The wolfriders numbered only a score, and only six men remained alive about Eärendil. Then Tuor arranged his men into a crescent of one rank, and hoped to envelop the riders, so that none could escape. Only two broke out, and these were wounded and without their mounts, so that tidings came too late to the city to be of any use.

Eärendil was glad to see his father again, and said: "I am thirsty, father, for I have run far — nor had Hendor need to bear me." Then his father said nothing, for he had no water, and was thinking of the needs of his company. But Eärendil spoke again: "'Twas good to see Maeglin die so, for he would se arms about my mother — and I liked him not; but I would travel in no tunnels for all of Melkor's wolfriders." Then Tuor smiled and set him upon his shoulders. Then the main company came up, and Tuor gave the child to his mother, who was in great joy, but Eärendil would not be borne in her arms.

"Mother Idril, thou art weary," he said, "And warriors in mail ride not among the Gondothlim, save it be old Salgant!" Idril laughed amid her sorrow. "Nay, where is Salgant?" Eärendil asked. Salgant had told him quaint tales or played drolleries with him at times, and the child had much laughter of the old Noldoin those days when he came many a day to the house of Tuor (loving the good wine and fair repast he there recieved). But none could say where Salgant was, he probably perished in the flames or was made a thrall.

They came to the foothills and it was full morning, but still grey, and there night to the beginning of the upward road folk stretched them and rested in a little dale finged with trees and hazel-bushes. Many slept, for they were greatly exhausted. Tuor, however, kept strict watch.

Eärendil, meanwhile, quenched his thirst and played beside a little brook with his mother. Then he said to her "Mother Idril, I would we had good Ecthelion of the Fountain here to play to me on his flute, or make me willow-whistles! Perchance he has gone on ahead?" But Idril said nay, and told him the fate of that lord. Eärendil wept, and said that he wished never to see the streets of Gondolin ever again. And Tuor responded that he would not. "For Gondolin is no more," he said.

At sunset they rose again, and they wound about through the hills. They turning saw Gondolin for the last time, and then the sun disappeared, and they saw it never again.

The Pass of Cristhorn, which is the Eagle's Cleft was dangerous going, and the host would not ventured it by dark, with no light to guide them, and many women, children, and sick, had not their fear of Melkor's scouts been greater. Darkness gathered, and they were forced to string out into a long straggling line. Galdor and a party of spearmen went ahead, and Legolas with them. Then came the least weary women and children supporting the sick that could go on foot, after which walked the House of the Wing. After the House of the Wing was Egalmoth leading the slower women and children, as well as the sick. At the back was the House of the Golden Flower of Glorfindel.

As they came to Cristhorn, dark shapes that had lain hidden even from the eyes of Legolas leaped forward, and Galdor's men were beset. Tuor thought that they had fallen in with one of Melkor's ranging companies, and feared no more than a sharp brush in the dark. But he sent the women and sick rearward and joined with Galdor in the fray. But rocks fell from above, and it looked as if the battle would go ill for the Gondothlim. And with the enemies was a Balrog.


Then Tuor realized that it was a trap, and now Galdor and Glorfindel held back the assault, and many of the orcs were stricken into the abyss. And Thorondor rose with his people, the Thornhoth, and they fell upon the orcs, and the battle turned.

Sudden the balrog leaped across the chasm, and came among the women and children, lashing his great whip of flame. But Glorfindel was there, and long they fought. His mail defended him from whip and claw, and they fought on a high rock which all could see. Glorfindel had hewn off the balrog's whip arm, but the balrog leaped forward, and though Glorfindel stabbed forward only the shoulder it found, and for a while they swayed upon the crag-top. Then Glorfindel drew a dirk, and pierced the balrog's belly, which was up to his face. But even as the balrog fell with a shriek it grasped Glorfindel's long golden hair, and both descended into the abyss.

Then the orcs fled, and Thorondor bore back up the body of Glorfindel, but the balrog remained down in the abyss in the water of the Thorn Sir, and it was black for many a day after.
And so they raised a cairn over the body of Glorfindel, and the yellow flowers grew there ever after. Thorondor would not allow orc to come near from that moment on.



After much suffering the exiles came at last to the Land of Willows, where once Tuor had dwelt, and Tulkas had fought Melkor. And there they healed themselves, and there their wounds were healed, and their women and maidens grew fair again. But they did not smile any more.

All that remained of the Gondothlim was three hundred and twenty men and boys, and two hundred and sixty women and children. And they dwelt at the Mouths of the Sirion, and they took up the name Lothlim, that is the People of the Flower, for no longer would they be called Gondothlim. And Eärendil would grow to be great among that people.

And Littleheart said "Alas for Gondolin." And no one in that room spoke or moved for a great while.

The Sack and Fall of Doriath
After it became know that the Silmaril was in Doriath, the oath of Fëanor awoke again. The sons of Fëanor sent words to Thingol telling him to give up the Silmaril. Melian advised Thingol to give it up, but Thingol had would not give it up as he began to love the Silmaril as well.
After a while an idea came to Thingol, that he should combine the silmarill and the Nauglamir together ( the greatest work of the elves and the greatest of the dwarves combined )
He summoned Dwarves from Nogrod to set the jewel in the necklace Nauglamir, and he went down to their smiths alone to watch the progress. The greed of the Dwarves was awokened when they saw the Silmarillion and their own Nauglamir and the Dwarves became so enamoured of their work that they slew Thingol when he demanded it back.They are slain themselves when they try to escape.
Melian left Doriath because she lost all love for Middle Earth when Thingol died and she went back to Valinor. This caused the Girdle of Melian to be lifted.
The Naugrim of Nogrod attacked Doriath in revenge for the fallen dwarves and there was a tough battle in Menegroth. The Dwarves won though and Menegroth was sacked and they brought all the treasures back home.
Mablung, the March Warden, was killed during the Sack of Doriath

Beren was seen one last time after the Sack of Menegroth, assisted by the Green Elves of Ossiriand. In that battle at Sarn Athrad, Beren fought his last fight, and he slew the Lord of Nogrod, and wrested from him the Nauglamir. He dying laid his curse upon all the treasures. And when all was finished the treasures of Doriath was drowned in the River Ascar, and from that time the river was named Rathloriel.
Beren gave the Necklace to Luthien and she wore it until she died.
Well if you remember, Beren and Luthien had a son named Dior. Dior married Nimloth and had 3 children: Eluréd, Elurín and Elwing.

When Thingol was slain, Dior went to Doriath and re-established Doriath. After some years the green elves sent the Silmarillion to Dior and he understood that Beren and Luthien finally had passed away...
The Sons of Fëanor dared not to demand the Silmarillion while Luthien bore it,but now that Dior had the jewel they sent words to Doriath. Dior would not give it up remembering what his parents had gone through to get it.
The Sons of Fëanor then attacked Doriath and Dior was killed although Dior slew Celegorm.
His sons Eluréd and Elurín were captured during the assault and left to die in the wood of Doriath by servants of Celegorm (some sort of revenge perhaps?)Maedhros went and searched long for them in the forest, but in vain. They were never found

However the Sons of Fëanor did not get what they came for, because Elwing escaped with the Silmarill with the remnants of the Elves of Doriath and came to the Havens of Sirion...

Eärendil and Elwing
The lands near the Mouths of Sirion were home to the surviving Sindar of Doriath, some Noldor from Nargothrond and Gondolin, as well as the few survivors of the Three Houses of the Edain, also settled near the Mouths of Sirion. The first rulers of this region, known as Arvernien, were Tuor and Idril. Later their son Eärendil Half-Elven, married the Half-Elven Elwing, Dior's daughter and survivor of the Sack of Doriath. Elros and Elrond, the sons of Eärendil and Elwing, were born in Arvernien.
The refugees built many ships, sailing across the seas and to the nearby Isle of Balar where Círdan had fled with the survivors of Eglarest and Brithombar.
With the aid of Círdan the Shipwright, Eärendil built a ship, Vingilótë (or Vingilot, it means foam-flower). He sailed this often around the seas west of Middle-earth,seeking the hidden land of Valinor to ask for the pardon of the Valar. But though his journeys carried him to many shores, Eärendil was unsuccessful. At this time Elwing had in her possession the Silmaril. News of this came to the sons of Fëanor that were still living, and they attacked the people living in Arvernien, and slew most of them. But Elwing, rather than be captured, threw herself with the Silmaril into the sea. The Silmaril was not lost, however.


Guided by the light of the Silmaril, Eärendil navigated Vingilótë through the Shadowy Seas to the Blessed Realm of Aman.He went into Tirion. The streets were empty and he walked in (i think) diamond dust.
It so happened that all the eldar was summoned to a party. Eärendil thought that evil had reached even the blessed realm and turned back to the ship.He was then discovered and brought before the Valar.He begged pardon, and asked them for aid to fight against Morgoth; and the Valar accepted his plea.Because Eärendil had undertaken this errand on behalf of Men and Elves, and not for his own sake, Manwë forbore to deal out the punishment of death that was due; and because both Eärendil and Elwing were descended from a union of Elves and Men, Manwë granted to them and their sons the gift to choose to which race they would be joined (a gift that was further passed to the children of Elrond). Elwing chose to be one of the Elves. Eärendil would have rather been one of the Men; however, for the sake of his wife, he chose to be one of the Elves.
However, he was not allowed to return to Middle-earth, except to join the host of the Valar in the final War of Wrath against Morgoth.

But what about Elrond and Elros?
Maedhros and Maglor abducted Elros and his twin brother, Elrond, as retribution for Elwing's refusal to relinquish a Silmaril. Maedhros and Maglor later repented, and took care of them and they came to cherish them.The Silmarillion indicates that a bond of love, however faint, had grown between Maglor and Elros and Elrond.

The War Of Wrath
The Valar now prepared for war. The Vanyar, the remaining Noldor in Aman came to Middle-earth in a mighty host led by Eonwë. Of the Teleri of Aqualondë, they granted the use of their ships to the powers of Aman, but none would aid the Noldor in Middle-earth, remembering the kinslaying of their people long ago...In 547 the host of Eonwë and his host were seen shining upon the sea and the noise of Eonwë`s trumpets rang over the waves.Eonwë summoned all of the Elves and all of the Men from Hithlum to the South, rallying them for the great war that was now to come to Beleriand. The great force of Aman marched across Beleriand, and met the forces of Morgoth in the plains of Anfauglith. It is said that the glory of their weaponry illuminated the land.The armies rallied and Eonwë drove the Balrogs and the Orcs before him towards the north and to Angband. At Angband there was gathered the whole power of Morgoth and the North was in flame with war. The two hosts were on either side of the river Sirion, but with his host, Eonwë crossed the river and utterly destroyed the Balrogs, save for some who had hidden themselves at the root of the earth.
The uncounted legions of Orcs perished like straw in a great fire. Then Morgoth, in desperation, loosened the winged Dragons from the pits of Angband. Eonwë and his host were driven back, for the Dragons were like a great roar of thunder and a tempest of fire and their wings were of steel.
Well remember that Eärendil's ship was set to sail the heavens by the Valar


Now Eärendil came shining like a white flame in the sky, and Thorondor King of all the birds and all the birds of heaven came too. Eärendil slew Ancalagon the Black, the mightiest of the Dragon host. Ancalagon fell down upon Thangorodrim, the great towers of Angband, and they crumbled to the ground beneath his weight.
Morgoth fled into his deepest mines, but he was dragged out and bound by the chain, Angainor. Eonwë took the two remaining Silmarils, and Morgoth's crown was made into a collar for his neck. The Valar thrust him "through the Door of Night, beyond the Walls of the World, into the Timeless Void", where he remains until the Final Battle and the Day of Doom, and those doors are forever guarded by Ëarendil. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.

The Silmarils
After the War of Wrath, Maedhros and Maglor, the last of the sons of Fëanor, told Eönwë that the remaining two Silmarils captured from Morgoth should be given to them, but Eönwë replied that the Silmarils would not suffer them to hold them and that the brothers had to face judgement from the Valar in Aman. Maglor was willing to listen, but Maedhros reminded Maglor that in their oath, they had sworn that none, even the Valar, could release them from their oath, and because of this, it would curse them into committing evil deeds in Aman.Resigned, the brothers stole the Silmarils, but the jewels burned their hands. Unable to endure the suffering, Maedhros threw himself, and the Silmaril that he bore, into a fiery chasm of the Earth, thus ending his life.
Maglor cast his Silmaril into the sea. Thereafter he wandered along the shores of the world, singing laments over the loss of the jewel, until he faded from memory.

Destruction of Beleriand
Due to the raw power put forth from the Host of the Valar, the wreckage of the war was immense. Most of the land west of the Ered Luin was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves.

The Elves and Men
The remaining Elves were bidden by Ëonwë to return with him to the lands of Aman. Most of them did so, but others refused the summons and instead journeyed eastward where they would become lords of the remaining Noldor and Sindar, as well as others remaining in the east such as the Silvan elves. Galadriel and Celeborn were among these, as was Gil-galad.

For those men of the Edain, who fought for the host of the Valar, they were granted to them the land of Númenor. This land was neither of Aman nor Middle-earth, but was the nearest to Aman of all mortal lands.

Sauron
After his master's defeat, Sauron surrendered to Ëonwë and was summoned to Valinor to receive judgement by the Valar. However he evidently reconsidered and fled to the east, to trouble the Men and Elves of the West in later ages.

Second Age

Elven realms in the 2nd Age
During the Second Age the Elves founded the Realms of Lindon, Eregion and Greenwood (later known as Mirkwood)

Lindon
Lindon is the land beyond the Ered Luin (Blue Mountains) in the northwest of Middle-earth. The Gulf of Lune divides it into Forlindon (North Lindon) and Harlindon (South Lindon).
Lindon as a name survived from the First Age, when it was a name given to Ossiriand after this land was settled by the Laiquendi or Green Elves. Lindon meant "Land of the singers"
Many of the Elves of Beleriand relocated to Lindon at the beginning of the Second Age, where they were ruled by Gil-galad. The Noldor mainly dwelt in Forlindon, and the Sindar (and surviving Laiquendi) in Harlindon. Together, they built Mithlond (the Grey Havens) on the Gulf, and many Elves left from there to Valinor. Lindon was one of the two Noldorin Kingdoms during the Second Age

Eregion
Eregion or Hollin was a kingdom of the Noldorin Elves in Eriador during the Second Age, located near the West Gate of Khazad-dûm under the shadow of the Hithaeglir (Misty Mountains). Its capital was Ost-in-Edhil.
Eregion was populated by Noldor, and for a while ruled by Galadriel and Celeborn, until they left for Lorien on the other side of the Misty Mountains. The Elves of Eregion lived in harmony with the Dwarven kingdom of Khazad-dûm.It is said that the bond of friendship between the two races was unique and never was there such a friendship between Elves and Dwarves again

After Galadriel and Celeborn had left, Eregion was ruled by Celebrimbor, a descendant of Fëanor. Under his rule the Elves of Eregion became friends with Annatar, Lord of Gifts.(Sauron )

Greenwood
The forest held the dwelling of a Silvan Elven realm ruled by Sindarin lords, firstly the Elvenlord Oropher
Oropher was one of the Sindar of Doriath, but after the War of Wrath he declined to depart Middle-earth as many others did, and instead went over the Ered Luin with his house-hold. He eventually ended up in Greenwood the Great, where Silvan Elves of Nandorin descent lived, and he was taken by them as lord.

Lorien
West of Oropher's realm was the realm of Lórinand across Anduin, where Amdír, another Sindar ruled over Silvan Elves.
Amdir was a Sindarin Elf from Doriath who left east into Eriador after the War of Wrath. He took over the realm of Lórinand (later Lórien) from Silvan Elves who had had no lords before


Elven characters in the 2nd Age

Ereinion Gil-galad
First the meaning of the name Gil-Galad means Star of Radiance, Ereinion means Scion of Kings

After Turgon died, the High Kingship passed to Gil-galad as the last surviving male member of the House of Fingolfin. Galadriel was still alive, but as she was the younger sister of his Fingolfin, his claim had precedence.
After the end of the First Age, Gil-galad founded a realm in Lindon along the shores of Belegaer. Elrond and Cirdan were among the Elves who dwelled in Lindon with Gil-galad.
The northern part of Lindon was called Forlindon, and that was where Gil-galad lived. The southern part of Lindon was Harlindon
In the year 600 of the Second Age, ships arrived at the Grey Havens from Numenor. Gil-galad welcomed their captain, Veantur, and friendship was forged between the Elves of Lindon and the Men of Numenor. In 725, Veantur brought his grandson Aldarion to the Grey Havens to meet Gil-galad and Cirdan. Aldarion became friends with them, and over the years he made many voyages to Middle-earth.

Gil-galad was aware that a servant of Morgoth was gaining strength in the east of Middle-earth. He did not share this knowledge with Aldarion, but he sent a letter explaining his fears to Aldarion's father, Tar-Meneldur, King of Numenor. Tar-Meneldur was uncertain whether to prepare his people for war and send the aid requested by Gil-galad. He decided to pass the kingship - and the decision - on to Aldarion. But at the time when Aldarion became King, Numenor was not yet powerful enough to do battle against the growing evil. When Aldarion's daughter Tar-Ancalime succeeded him, she gave no further aid to Gil-galad.

The evil force growing in Middle-earth was Morgoth's former lieutenant Sauron. In 1200 of the Second Age, Sauron assumed a fair disguise and tried to gain entry into Lindon. He called himself Annatar(Lord of Gifts) and he claimed to be an emissary of the Valar. Gil-galad did not know he was Sauron, but he did not trust him and sent him away. Gil-galad sent warnings to other Elves, but they did not listen. The Elves of Eregion welcomed Sauron and under his instruction they began forging the Rings of Power.

Galadriel and Celeborn
After the war of wrath Celeborn and Galadriel travelled first to Lindon, where they ruled over a group of Elves, probably as a fiefdom under Gil-galad. Later they moved eastward to the realm of Eregion. At this time they made contact with a Nandorin settlement in the valley of the Anduin, the later Lothlórien. Later they removed from Eregion by way of the mines of Khazad-dûm, and became lords of Lothlórien. Celebrimbor now ruled over Eregion. In Lórien Galadriel and Celeborn had a daughter named Celebrían

Galadriel was mistrusting of Annatar(Sauron ), the loremaster who guided Celebrimbor and the other Noldor of Eregion.

Celebrimbor
His name means "silver fist" or "Hand of silver"
After the First Age he may have either been forced to remain in Middle Earth because of the Doom of Mandos, or he chose to stay freely
During the Second Age, he lived in the Elvish realm of Eregion. Under the guidance and instruction of Annatar, Celebrimbor led the smiths of Eregion in making nineteen Great rings for the Elves, though seven would later be given to the Dwarves and nine to Men. But secretly, without Annatar's knowledge, Celebrimbor created the three Rings of the Elves, the greatest and fairest of the Rings of Power. These rings were thus free of Annatar's corrupting influence. Celebrimbor named the rings Vilya, Narya and Nenya after the principal Middle-earth elements of air, fire and water, respectively.

Elrond
His name means "Vault of Stars", "Star-dome", or "Elf of the Cave"

At the end of the First Age Elrond went to Lindon with the household of Gil-galad, the last High King of the Noldor. Unlike his brother, he chose to be counted among the Elves

He was known as being noble, wise, powerful and good. Elrond was Gil-galad's lieutenant and when Eregion finally was attacked in 1695 by Sauron, he lead Gil-Galad's army

This post has been edited by KingElros: Dec 2 2006, 08:06 AM

Of the Rings of Power - the making and their powers

The Nine rings of Men
The primary purpose and power of all the Rings was the "prevention or slowing of decay. It was through this desire of the Elves to preserve things of beauty, that Sauron was able to trick them. All of the Rings enhanced any natural powers of the possessor.

The Rings apparently granted the ability to see things which are normally unseen, such as Frodo Baggins' ability to see Galadriel's Ring when Samwise Gamgee could not or various instances of perceiving things in the wraith world while wearing the One. However, this power is said to have been "more directly derived from Sauron" than the other powers of the Rings and thus may not have been present in the Three, which Sauron never touched.

It is unclear whether these effects were always present in the sixteen or were added after Sauron had taken them from the Elves. It is said in Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age that Sauron "perverted" the Nine and the Seven such that they were cursed and betrayed those who used them. This 'curse' can be seen in the deaths of the Dwarves Thrór and Thráin, both driven to undertake lethal dangers by the Ring of their house.

The Nine Rings caused Men wearing them to become invisible by shifting them into the 'wraith world'. They could also extend the lifespans of Men who possessed them, though this would eventually lead to the Men becoming wraiths.

The nine rings for mortal men were divided amongst ambitious men doomed to become the Nazgûl, the Ringwraiths. None are mentioned specifically except the Witch-king of Angmar. His second-in-command is named in Unfinished Tales as Khamûl, the Black Easterling. What is known is that three of the nine Ringwraiths were originally 'great lords' of Númenor in the mid Second Age.

The Seven Dwarven rings
Sauron gave the Seven Rings to the Dwarf Lords (although according to Dwarvish tradition Celebrimbor gave one of them to Durin III). As there were Seven dwarven Houses, we may assume that each dwarf-king was given his own ring, but this was not stated by Tolkien.

Tolkien wrote that Dwarves could not be made invisible, turned into wraiths, dominated through the Rings, or have their lives extended. These resistances of the Dwarves greatly frustrated Sauron's plans, but he was still able to influence them to anger and greed through their Rings.

The Dwarves used their Rings to establish their treasure hoards, apparently being somehow able to "breed" wealth with their Rings. Tolkien never explained how this was accomplished except that the Rings required gold to breed more gold. As noted, the Dwarves were immune to many effects of the Rings and it is believed that the Dwarves' natural hardiness made them resistant to Sauron's control. Of the Seven, at the time of the war of the ring, four had been destroyed by dragon fire and the remaining three retaken by Sauron. As you might know, the last of the Seven was taken from Thráin II, who had been captured, imprisoned, and tormented by Sauron (in the guise of the Necromancer) in 2845 TA, Gandalf was unfortunantly too late

The Three Elven rings
The Three Rings of the Elves were forged by Celebrimbor alone, and were never touched by Sauron. -Narya, the Ring of Fire, was set with a ruby and worn first by Círdan and then by Gandalf -Nenya, the Ring of Water or Ring of Adamant, was of mithril set with a diamond and worn by Galadriel
-Vilya, the Ring of Air, mightiest of the Three, was of gold set with a blue stone and borne first by Gil-galad and then by Elrond.
They remained hidden, and the whereabouts of them were not revealed until the end of the Third Age, after the One Ring was destroyed and Sauron was overthrown

Unlike the other Rings, the Three did not confer invisibility nor bear a curse beyond their vulnerability to the One. It is unclear whether they would have extended the lifespan of a mortal, created wraiths, allowed sight of the unseen, or otherwise possessed the powers intended by Sauron. However, the rings themselves were invisible when worn - only a few, such as other Ring owners, could see them.

The Three were dedicated to the preservation of beauty and prevention of decay, and were more powerful than the Seven and the Nine. A wearer of a ring of the Three gained the power to preserve, in many different ways, whatever they control. The ring Nenya allowed Galadriel to block the Eye of Sauron and preserve Lothlórien from the harmful influences of time and decay. Vilya allows Elrond to do the same in Rivendell and it is possible that Círdan did something similar at the Havens before surrendering his Ring.

Narya is also called 'the Kindler' and is said to have had a part in Gandalf's mastery of fire, suggesting that the Rings might also be attuned to the elements for which they were named. However, the primary purpose of Narya was to 'kindle' hope. Its use in this regard might be seen in the way hope returned to the guards of Gondor, besieged by the Nazgûl, only when Gandalf was nearby.


The One Ring
The One Ring, secretly forged by Sauron in the heart of Mount Doom, had the power to dominate the other nineteen Great Rings. It allowed Sauron to see and control the thoughts of those who bore the other Rings and all that they did with their Rings. Because of the caution of the Elves and the resistance of the Dwarves, Sauron's dominion over the other rings was incomplete, but the force he could bring to bear with the Ring was amazing nonetheless. This was partly because of his using a large amount of his own power into it at its forging,something that later led to his downfall.

The One possessed all the powers seen in the Nine and could vastly increase the natural abilities of the bearer. It may also have had a general ability to control or influence others, since it allowed Sauron to quickly corrupt the Númenóreans into evil and also allowed Frodo and Sam to appear powerful and foreboding on several occasions. Finally, the One somehow granted Sam the ability to understand the speech of Orcs in Mordor, and Bilbo Baggins the ability to understand the speech of the Great Spiders in Mirkwood.

Mastery of the One required time and practice in using it to control others. The amount of power it granted to a bearer was limited by their own native abilities. Thus, someone like Frodo or Gollum could never have used the One to dominate the bearers of the other Rings.But people like Gandalf,Galadriel or maybe even Aragorn however The Ring possessed a sort of sentience or will of its own and could slip on or off at inopportune times or influence the bearer. The One could even influence and corrupt those who had never touched it, such as when it drove Sméagol to murder Déagol.

On the Ring was this inscription in the Blaack speech:
Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul,
ash nazg thrakatulûk, agh burzum-ishi krimpatul.

These words were spoken by Sauron when he first put on the One, and heard by the Elves at that time. Later, after Sauron had captured and distributed many of the Rings of Power, an elvish rhyme of lore was made:
Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

The war against Sauron - Sauron revealed
The war began in 1693, almost a century after Sauron had deceived the Noldor smiths of Eregion and had secretly forged the One Ring to rule over the other Rings of Power.But as soon as Sauron put on the One Ring, the Elves took off all their rings for they finally saw through the deceptions of Sauron and realized that their creations would only be corrupted and used for evil


With his disguise uncovered, Sauron then demanded that all of great rings in Eregion to be surrendered to him, as all of them were made with Sauron's counsel, except the Three Rings of the Elves. Celebrimbor refused and sent the Three to Gil-galad and Galadriel, while Sauron raised a great force to invade Eriador.

War against Sauron - The war begins
When Sauron's forces attacked Eregion, messages of the invasion were sent north to Gil-galad, and he began amassing his forces, preparing for war. Gil-galad had sent a request for aid to Numenor. Tar-Minastir, the King of Numenor, sent supplies and Men, but their main fleet was delayed.
In 1695 S.A. Sauron had reached Eregion. Elrond had been sent to Eregion by Gil-galad but Sauron's host was great enough to hold him off while concentrating on the assault upon Eregion. In 1697 S.A., Celebrimbor tried to make a last stand at Ost-in-Edhil, but he was overwhelmed and taken captive.He was forced under torture to reveal where the Nine and the Seven were held, but he would not reveal the whereabouts of the three Elvish rings.
Elrond managed to unite his army with an army from Eregion, led by Celeborn. Eregion is destroyed however, and Elrond is driven back and surrounded by Sauron. He was saved though by an army led by Durin and Amroth, and retreated to a valley where he settles Imladris.Sauron then halted his advance and drove the Dwarves back but he could accomplish little as Khazad-dûm's gates were closed. Afterwards, Sauron harboured deep hatred for Moria and ordered his Orcs to trouble the Dwarves at every turn

Sauron's forces had now reached the borders of Lindon in 1700. Gil-galad struggled to defend the River Lune until the Numenorean fleet finally arrived and Sauron's forces were driven back. Sauron's main force was defeated by the Numenoreans at the Battle of the Gwathlo in 1701. Elrond was besieged in Rivendell by another of Sauron's armies, but Gil-galad came to his aid and together they defeated the last of the enemy forces.